2. how did ferren learn about engineering, if not in school? how might
this have been similar to how the ancient cultures learned
engineering?

He was learning engineering by researching and separating the electronics.

Explanation:

He was self-learner, and this could be related to ancient cultures that were learning engineering in creative ways, as then the schools that could teach them didn’t exist. Ferren’s father thought him that communication in life doesn’t have to be only creative and decorative. It can also be developed through learning and having ideas that could change the world.