I definitely agree with this -- although maybe not that you have to start at the beginning. I started with lots of python/Java, but then dropped down to where

I definitely agree with this -- although maybe not that you have to start at the beginning. I started with lots of python/Java, but then dropped down to where I had been staring at enough assembly that moving back up to C was a huge relief. I think it's nice to get to learn programming and just get going with something like python, where you can take advantage of all the libraries like other people have mentioned, and maybe have more fun right away and avoid being turned off by it all -- before learning all the lower-level stuff -- not that you shouldn't learn it though!!