The issue here is not one of self-taught vs formal education.
Nor is it one of motivation/passion, although that plays a bigger part.
It's rather a matter of gifting. Some people "get it" when it comes to programming in ways that make them profoundly more competent than others. This is regardless of education.
The other big factor is whether or not they enjoy the frustration and successes of programming.
The best developers are those who are gifted and enjoy the fundamental challenges involved in programming. Formal education is at best tangential.
Nor is it one of motivation/passion, although that plays a bigger part.
It's rather a matter of gifting. Some people "get it" when it comes to programming in ways that make them profoundly more competent than others. This is regardless of education.
The other big factor is whether or not they enjoy the frustration and successes of programming.
The best developers are those who are gifted and enjoy the fundamental challenges involved in programming. Formal education is at best tangential.