Not everyone can learn just by reading. They have to actually be in the situation to see what to do. Sometimes I try to read up a bit to find out what a boss is going to do, but I wouldn't even bother mentioning it for all the good it does half the time.
It has nothing to do with being carried. People just learn differently. Some people can read a book about how to put something together and get it done. Some people need the pieces in front of them and in their hands as they read the instructions to do it.