There's a meme circulating on social media featuring a six-speed shift knob and the caption "millennial anti-theft device," suggesting people between the ages of 21 and 35 have no idea how to change gears with a clutch pedal. Less than 4 percent of new cars sold in 2013 were stick shift, according to Edmunds. And just 10 percent of cars made in North America have manual transmissions, according to IHS Automotive.

Compare that to 1980 when 45 percent of cars produced were manuals. Much has changed in 35 years. While certain models still cater to manual drivers, those of us who prefer to shift gears ourselves are special.

I learned how to drive on a standard-shift Subaru in the early '90s. And for a 16-year-old novice driver, the hill break was an added bonus. When I began driving my dad's Volkswagen Jetta, however, I clearly recall him yelling at me from the passenger seat to "step on the [expletive] clutch" when I was in danger of stalling on a slight incline.

I've been driving manuals ever since.

A 1976 Porsche 911S entered my life (courtesy of my dad) about five years ago. Of course, it's a five speed, but it's an entirely different beast than my daily driver. The position of the clutch on the floor makes it more difficult to change gears. It requires more focus than the mindless act of simply pushing down the gas pedal.

So why go manual? As many would attest, it's a more compelling driving experience. You feel more connected to the car and the road while shifting down before turns and then accelerating before shifting up to gain speed on the straightaway. You also feel like you have more control of the vehicle, particularly in stormy weather.

There's a sense of mastery when you can shift smoothly (especially when second gear sticks) and glide across scenic country roads. Listening to the engine roar as your wind out the gears is music. But it's music not everyone appreciates.

Today's modern cars with automatic transmissions shift faster than a human counterpart. Technology has outpaced people. But vintage cars often come with manual transmissions, so if you want a classic Porsche, you probably need a bit of experience before getting behind the wheel.

For the general population, driving a stick shift is at most nostalgic and at worst a lost art. Among my female friends (and several male friends as well), few have ever driven a car with a manual transmission. Either no one taught them or they never felt the need to learn.

Not a lot of friends ask to drive my Porsche, because not all of them can. Theft deterrent? Perhaps. At the very least, I avoid the awkward, "Can I drive your classic car?" requests because many don't have the skills to do it. You hear that music? Some of us still can.