Arduino and then you'll find out. (Score 1)

I've come to Arduino from the other side, from the raw microcontrollers, and I know I can choose whether to use a "short time to deploy" arduino, or a hardcore ad-hoc microcontroller configuration. If you want to dig deeper into electronics probably arduino is the most complete in term of accessories (shields) and the most documented by the least wise, meaning that someone with less knowledge will find it easier to understand. You'll get to a point, you'll find the "roof" of Arduino, but when that time comes, you will be more than prepared to make your own decision.