I don't think I can agree with that, and would maybe even go a step further and suggest that what keeps the various pillars of North American society functionin

I don't think I can agree with that, and would maybe even go a step further and suggest that what keeps the various pillars of North American society functioning, is a passive damper on asking 'why', if not an active one. I wouldn't say that we're dumb or that all information is taken at face value, but my impression is that a lot of people don't think very much about any given topic. The numbers aren't really run that often, or only by a minority. Why do I need a house, why do I need a car, why is/isn't my local government doing anything and how can I verify that? Especially when you're younger—for parental or institutional efficiency—people are often told 'don't ask why, just do it'. I definitely also dislike the idea, but I don't think I'd give people quite as much credit, and I'd like to.