I think he means that by framing an activity as a "growth experience", it loses a bit of it's soul. Ghandi, Lindbergh, Jobs - they all changed the world because they had a fire in their belly and couldn't sit still. They didn't pursue things because it would grow their character. They did things because they we're compelled to.
You are correct. Certain individuals have proven that with tenacity anything is possible. Still, it appears most people need structure. Structure, to give them a yardstick to measure themselves by. Stanford, or any college, give students goals. They are prepared sheep with plenty for 'growth experience.'
