Amen. Wish I had mod points because you put it well. Software EULA statements are the most outrageous things in the world. We click accept because we want to use the programs and there doesn't really seem to be an alternative. But if people understood the language in these I think there would be more of a backlash to them. It's like a car company saying that they're not liable if their transmission falls off the chassis, it's just insane.

Yep, everyone else has it right. I found it a little odd when driving in Europe, simply because it was unfamiliar, but even so the math was easier.

Talent doesn't disappear due to a bad system, though it certainly may be wasted in such an environment. Either you're able to pick up on new concepts and ideas easily or you're not. And if you are able (as the best and brightest tend to be), you'll pick it up somewhere. With the entire knowledge of the human race seconds away, having teachers cram facts down your throat isn't the way that the gifted will be getting ahead. If they don't understand something, they'll look for the answer, and learn along the way.

It's much more a matter of motivation than one of the learning environment.

(having said that, I'll definitely agree with anyone claiming that our educational system is in desperate need of an overhaul)