Content knowledge vs creativity, "fuel in the bucket"

Our schools should foster creativity, but they must not short-change the teaching of content knowledge.  Students need the "fuel". 

And while William Butler Yeats was right that “education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire,” it’s also true that it’s easier to ignite a bonfire if there’s fuel in the bucket.
Nicholas D. Kristof in China's Winning Schools - NYT