I learned on a standard, and
I learned on a standard, and with the exception of my 500 Abarth and my current 124 Spider Abarth, all my other recent vehicles are automatics. But a distinction I've seen written before and I tend to align with is this: You ride in an automatic, but you drive a stick. Yes, at first it's more effort, but as you become more in tune with your car, it becomes effortless and intuitive. It's like muscle memory combined with driving. You become closer to the vehicle you're operating. Stop and go rush hour traffic... not so much fun, but once again that's not where I spend my time when I'm in the Spider. The automatics are great for commuting, but when I drive my SUV, it's a dramatically different experience and requirement from a driver's perspective.For folks that have never driven a manual, you really shouldn't knock it until you've spent some serious time with one. Like a full summer, not a weekend rental. You might be shocked to discover you enjoy it. :-)