I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
I think what I would say to my younger self, and probably to younger, just starting-out writers is that a lot of times you're just afraid to put yourself out there, and it's uncomfortable because it's working up the courage to do something, to push yourself to do those things.
To be able to be caught up into the world of thought - that is being educated.