I don't think so. I spent around 2 weeks going through a serious of 10 or so lessons just to get familiar with the syntax and basic elements. I'm interested in

I don't think so. I spent around 2 weeks going through a serious of 10 or so lessons just to get familiar with the syntax and basic elements. I'm interested in web applications so the sooner I can begin building the basics the better (from a motivational and practical standpoint). There are a ton of great Rails resources out there for beginners you don't need to know alot of Ruby to get started. I do think it will be worthwhile to revisit Ruby outside of the context of Rails after I make some progress and if I think it is necessary for what I am trying to do.