The number of synapses in the brain increase sharply from birth to about 2 years of age. At 2 the child possesses two times the number of synapses of the average adult. This could be compared to the sculptor who starts off with a large block of clay (more than needed) and then gradually removes clay that is not needed. So the mind of the child is equipped at age two with a very large potential. Latent skills, abilities and talents are ready and waiting to be developed. If not used, they will atrophy with age and will be more difficult to learn and develop later. This emphasizes the need to surround the child with a rich learning environment at an early age.