The problem is that there are a lot of projects you can go into as a cargo cult programmer, do an OK job, and come out more or less still a cargo cult programme

The problem is that there are a lot of projects you can go into as a cargo cult programmer, do an OK job, and come out more or less still a cargo cult programmer - you can build a pretty good web site by iterating on tutorials and copy-and-pasted snippets. If you follow the guidance of, say, SICP, there're "projects" geared to expand your abilities. So, I agree, but look for the right project - don't learn a framework, learn to do something.