[blueatlas]

To what end? Our world is not short of this kind of talent, at any age. Those that have these abilities will get there, in time. So maybe it would be better at that age to teach them to paint, throw a baseball, fly fish, travel, etc.

[foolinaround]

Why should they be taught to paint or to throw a baseball but not to use a tool (like a program, etc)

I was merely saying that the knowledge and facilities to paint, to play baseball or program should be accessible, and kids must be exposed to the fact that they exist... then, the kids pick per their inclination?

[em-bee]

knowledge does not motivate people to do great things.

what children need to learn first and foremost is to be good people, create the desire to help others and contribute to society.

once they have that, they drive themselves to learn what they need in order to achieve that.

this kid here had the drive to solve a problem because they had experienced it themselves. it doesn't matter how they solved it and how much help they got, what matters is what drove them to solve the problem in the first place.

if we can create that drive then any of the above, whether it is art, sports or programming will happen based on the kids motivation.