Reinventing the wheel

is there ever a time when it's good to "reinvent the wheel?" i think yes. it is often employed in schools and other teaching environments to help with a student's development, to give him the experience of struggle and discovery.

when it doesn't make sense, in my opinion, is when the wheel exists but you choose not to consult the experts who've already built it, or who were taught how to build it by previous experts. save for the very few true geniuses throughout history, to reach mastery of any subject or art requires guidance from someone who's already been there. otherwise, you're taking a long and difficult exam with no answer key to consult. then, of course, it is very easy to be pleased with one's self and one's answers.

and for those of you who are (or would like to think you are) such geniuses, would your time not be better spent learning from a master and then taking your newfound knowledge and developing it even further? to go into uncharted territories and truly have a challenge worthy of your genius?

obviously i speak of ideal scenarios, devoid of real-world obstacles, financial constraints, and politics. for those who have these challenges more as excuses than legitimate problems, your chosen path of "least resistance" may prove to be a more short and turbulent ride than expected.