I'm with you - math should be taught like any other creative pursuit, not just as a vocational skill. The goal shouldn't be churning out math majors, but helping people appreciate the beauty and power of abstract thinking. As for cryptography, it's the hidden gem of mathematics that underpins Bitcoin's security. Too many math programs gloss over it. We need to change that and make cryptography a core part of the curriculum. That's why I'm so excited about initiatives like the one you mentioned - building that intellectual silk road is crucial.