The issue is that one tree—calculus is pretty important and fundamental to lots of fields of study—is covered in tinsel and lights, and also for some unfortunate reason some folks have gotten it into their heads that they’ll never need it and might as well light it on fire.
Exactly this. The article isn't really at all about calculus, but rather the benefit of challenging yourself more generally. Doing challenging things that push you out of your comfort zone better prepare you to do the things you actually want to do later in life.
