The author mentions Noam Chomsky, and I think he cuts to the point of the educational system: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq6lFOhLJ0c http://www.youtube.com

The author mentions Noam Chomsky, and I think he cuts to the point of the educational system: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq6lFOhLJ0c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq6lFOhLJ0c) Points out that one goal is obedience; and even "stupidity" in the system is useful, in that if you're willing enough to go along with obviously stupid orders, you'll pass through to the next level. (In other words, it filters for obedience.) Obviously, an educational system reflects the distribution of power in a society. This is particularly obvious when we observe an official enemy nation; we have no trouble seeing how they try indoctrinating students along the interests of those with power. Unfortunately, we're taught to have blindspots when it comes to our own societies. There are of course better educational systems. Unlike the model of dumping knowledge into your empty head, they focus on encouraging the growth of your natural capacities and internal forces. I suspect that many "autodidacts" are just people who want to escape the problems of dominant education, with whatever resources they have.