Yearn to Learn

How many times do we hear about boys who are "not cut out for learning" and how they need a program that is not academic to meet their needs?

The Steipler writes that even someone who has a hard time understanding Torah will merit the siyata dishmaya to become great in Torah even though he is not naturally gifted, provided he puts in the effort.  He then quotes from a sefer about a 16-17 year old boy who went to the Chasam Sofer and told him he desired to learn Torah.  He was young and hadn't seriously studied before, so the other bachurim thought this was a silly idea.  Nevertheless, the Chasan Sofer accepted him and told his talmidim to learn with the boy who, it turned out, was not only a late starter but was not a smart boy.

He applied himself and he later became outstanding in Torah and was appointed a dayan in Mattersdorf under the Chasam Sofer.  He is often quoted in the sefarim of the Chasam Sofer.

Makes me wonder whether, instead of modifying (= dumbing down) the yeshiva curriculum for those who don't have the intellectual ability and/or interest in learning, efforts should be made from the youngest years to imbue talmidim with a love for Torah.  With songs, with stories, in an atmosphere where they hear that "Torah iz de bester s'choira" (the best merchandise), perhaps they will acquire a love for Torah that will motivate them to work hard.  And then we are told, "yogaata u'matzasa taamin" - if you try hard and are successful, believe it."