I like pontificating as much as the next guy. But there's this pattern that keeps repeating: person asks question. People speculate on what they might have meant and offer answers. Person comes on and says no, that's not it at all. Then people spin off on that piece of information and speculated on what the situation is. Repeat and rinse.

Should I study C++ or Java? Well gee, what's important to you? Picking up complex concepts? Learning to work in large shops? Becoming an all-round nerd? Without context -- and a lot of it, including your life situation and priorities -- it's just an invitation to bullshit. Even then there's plenty of room for disagreement. It's like asking, What kind of music should I learn to like?