I remember when I was 14, my father took a sibling and I out to get our pilot's licenses. His friend was a bush pilot and instructor in Johannesburg. During introductions, he said a very similar thing... "You're learning flying today, but in a few years, it might be a skill nobody needs."))
It was more of a necessity at the time than a luxury. And yes, fourteen when I began learning, but received my license by sixteen. My brother at the time, who was sixteen, received his six months later.))
Actually, the only thing that wasn't stolen at the Louvre's Apollo Gallery is the Regent Diamond, figure no one would take it because something to do with a curse.