Repeating one of the most common quips on this site, its obvious that there needs to be a massive push toward mathematics and mathematical concepts in public schools, especially in urban areas. The man is absolute brilliant, and along with his genius, he was also given a push by his parents (his father was a doctor) and their peers, who kept him challenged. Just like in Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother that extra push that lets your kids know that they can succeed, is key.
Abstract mathematics are something I have a growing interest in, and I wish I had the time to get more deeply involved in them.
