I disagree. What you just described is the definition of a crackpot. If you want to achieve real results you need to have a firm understanding of the fundamen

I disagree. What you just described is the definition of a crackpot. If you want to achieve real results you need to have a firm understanding of the fundamentals, then you learn how to extrapolate. Besides, when learning theory you often undertake case studies that allow you see what real world problems you can actually apply these theories to. If you watch the lectures, Professor Ng does a good job of showcasing projects that benefit from various algorithms.