[zeroexzeroone]

It would be analogous to saying that without knowing algebra you'd be hard-pressed to solve problems in calculus.

[psbp]

I'm not sure what that has to do with thinking. Is there an absence of thinking when solving algebra that only kicks in when solving calculus?

[micampe]

No, it means that you need to know algebra to be able to think about calculus, not merely having access to an algebra book. Everyone can have access to algebra information, that doesn't mean everyone can solve calculus, as proved by reality.