One of the problems with automated modern cameras is that they shield you from knowing what it takes to make better pictures. If all you ever owned is such a modern camera without manual settings, you will never think: "Hm, not a bad decision, my dear camera, but I think this would look better with -0.5 stop exposure correction and the aperture 2 stops further open". If you are a good observer you may think: "that background is far too sharp and that tree is too bright", but even then you will not know how to correct that.
Picking up a camera with manual settings and fighting it until it does what you want is not such a bad way to start. Some reading required, of course.
Still, being able to look, isolate and compose is most important, I think, and what is in a picture is more important than technique, but knowing and understanding your tools can make the difference between a good and a great photo.