But the same can be said about mathematics, for example. While true, such statement is only saying something about the process of learning; it does not mean that C++ (or mathematics) is badly designed, useless, or is not worth learning. When you are just learning, of course you tend to be more focused on the subtleties of the subject itself rather than on its applications. Which is not to say that it is a good idea: it is through application that you begin to understand and fully appreciate the subject.