Yes -- I am saying that the acts of Spartan youths, showing their ability to steal food without being caught was a positive affirmation of a desirable attribute for a WARRIOR.
However, I see no positive attribute in cheating to earn a grade in a subject for which the STUDENT cheater had insufficient knowledge to receive that recognition...
The cheating student has shown he lacks the "skill" to pass the course... forn many, it means the cheater will fail in the main course - life. Unfortunately, probably impacting the lives of others due to the cheaters lack of ethics, knowledge or ability...
If you STILL can't get that distinction -- I'm afraid I can't make the explanation any more simple --- you'll simply have to remain in your confused state....
Then cheating is just real world prep.
BTW informed sources tell me the top mainland Chinese students now stay in China for grad school. This changed in the last five years or so. Don't let your memories guide you.
I also particularly recall the high caste Indians as the worst bunch of cheaters in engineering school. My experience with them in the workforce has been similarly unimpressive. Many seem to think they are too good to do actual work. That makes them a natural fit as MBAs, but not as engineers.
Oh I get your distinction I just don’t agree that it is all that distinct. You’re saying military street smarts is okay but elsewhere it is not worthwhile. It is simply a weak case. I admire the soldiers at Thermopylae but admire more the system of those who fought at Marathon. Being a skilled thief is not a positive attribute for a warrior but a general cleverness is desired. Just as society X may want its sons and daughters clever enough to beat the system in a class on French Poetry rather than learn the French Poetry. "I'm afraid I can't make the explanation any more simple --- you'll simply have to remain in your confused state...."