Every time I hear this argument, I'm surprised and kind of disappointed. Pythagoras' Theorem (or the area of a triangle or whatever example you want to use) shows us some incredibly powerful insights into the nature of reality itself, and into our capacity to engage with that nature with this unique facility for reason that we find ourselves equipped with. What could possibly be more important or valuable than that? I think it's a huge shame and actually a quite desperate mistake that our education is gearing more and more towards trade schools - imagine a world where all we ever learn is how to be a good employee? Jesus.. no thanks, talk about the death of the human spirit. Learn how to think and the rest of it becomes easy - and more importantly, meaningful.
End of rant.
End of rant.