There is some core knowledge that anyone wishing to play with electronics must have however, in order to apply the knowledge you don't need to have a Master's Degree in EE (nice but not required). It does help to have a general or specific area of interest so that you can learn a little and apply it even if only to blink some lights or sound an alarm. Electronics encompasses a lot so it helps to have a goal in mind, even if the goal is temporary.
For me ham radio is one of several reasons for improving my electronics knowledge. My son's excuse was car stereos. For others it's RC model cars, robots, communications, computers, automobiles, etc.
So, if you have an area of interest that you can tie to electronics you can follow along with others of similar mind to learn how a design works or what's important to know in terms of reading diagrams. In reading thru this forum you'll see what I mean as people post questions about radio, computers, communications, etc. Radio Shack and other entities publish books that are good for some general areas of interest. They start by explaining a few things then describe some simple applications. You sort of build your knowledge base by reading then doing.
Hope this helps.