"I can't" is usually misused. "Cannot" implies an absolute physical reason that something can not be done. e.g. a person blind from birth can not relate to color the way a person with any form of sight can.

Just about every other use of "I can't" simply means that I do not have the interest and drive to accomplish that particular task. Look at the immense obstacles people overcome to do things they really want to do.

Mr. Schwartz provides an excellent example. He is not naturally inclined to be visual/pictorially inclined. His statement "I cannot remember pictures, nor can I construct good art". As well as statements explaining his happiness with his programming and problem solving abilities, are statements of sanity. He knows what he does well, he knows that he enjoys those activities and expends energy in pursuit of them, and he knows he has limited resources to deal with life in general. I do not agree that he "cannot" do either of the things he claims he cannot do. If he were willing to apply enough time and effort, he could remember pictures (even if he had to come up with a method not commonly used to remember pictures). He could create good art.

We do need to place limits on what we try to accomplish, and concentrate on certain ones or we would accomplish nothing. I am only beating up the use of "cannot" as opposed to "won't", or "I am not willing to sacrifice the time and abilities in use in other channels of my life doing things I want to do more".

As to those who fear programming, they are displaying a very human reaction to the unknown. They also have to overcome the reputation of programming has of being difficult and complicated. If asked, would you be afraid to perform an appendectomy? (those of you who are not surgeons who said "no" scare me!) You should be afraid, as the procedure is relativiely complex and requires some specialized knowledge. In this case "I can not do this now" is a valid response, however with the appropriate desire and drive, you could gain the knowledge and experience to be able to do the appendectomy.

Thank you for an interesting node!