I learned C++ first, then Java, then more recently Python.

I really feel like I'd have rather had Python or Java first instead, if only because being concerned about all of the strict formatting and structure in a C++ program puts a level of unnecessary complexity in front of the goal: to introduce a person to programming logic and solving problems with programs.

Those complexities are certainly important, mind you. But not as important as clearly opening the mind to the way a programmer thinks, IMO.