[ridgeguy]

Hubel & Wiesel's work is fascinating, but may not map well to more complex systems (not dissing cats, they're plenty complicated!).

For example, humans clearly have a window for learning their native language. It just happens, and it's nearly magical. But humans can learn non-native languages after that window slams shut. We vary in our ability to do that, but if it matters, most can pick up useful conversational and reading skills.

I agree it's a matter of research. I think we've barely begun to scratch the surface of what's possible.

[ACCount37]

The biggest points against it being anywhere near as easy as "teaching an adult a language" are: the existence of masking, and the limited success of behavioral interventions - especially in adults.

If people find it easier to learn and apply the workarounds than to learn the thing itself, then, clearly, something prevents them from just learning the thing itself. Behavioral interventions being generally more successful the earlier you do them lines up with that too.

Maybe there are "low hanging fruits", simple interventions that work well that we are yet to discover. But it's not like no one went looking. And the fact that we are yet to find them weights against it.