Quote: "- An interesting question: is it easier to motivate a learned individual that never does anything, or educate an ignorant individual that actually produces things?"
The second one... I know, because I'm the first.
I'm jobless and can never truely focus on anything that doesn't give me what I want: recognition. I hate working in an office, because when you finally finish something, no matter how big or small, or how important or unimportant, you don't get the same recognition as you do for doing something by yourself that everyone can use.
Side Note - At my last job, I programmed a large Dynamic Report Generator for the military that allowed them to generate any kind of report that they wanted, or even create a new one. It took less than 5 minutes to put out a complete and detailed report with all accurate information. A captain in the US Navy was bragging to my boss about the wonderful job that I was doing and how bright I was... that made me feel good inside, and gave me the recognition that I was looking for. Upon completing the task some months later, I was immediately fired on false charges (The same day as the task got completed). My name will never be in the credits of the software, but my code will still be there, no doubt. This is why I have never regained my attitude towards working for a living. I was let go in August of '06. I have not had a job since and do not intend to get one.
Why do I program? For the recognition that I get from everyone who uses my product.
Why do I become suddenly angry at times? Because some people who use my product are ingrates and almost immediately ask for more.
The one and only,
~PlystirE~