Higher learning is the same as it has always been - a status symbol for the elite.<p>In some circles, all the know-how you need is the ability to say, "I was a legacy at hah-vud, dontcha know."<p>What this planet needs is a shakeup of the university system, maybe for one year let in everyone who wouldn't normally make the cut.
You raise two excellent points, and not just in reference to higher learning - how about our kids?<p>I have an 8 year old who barely gets off the couch, he's like a vegetable. I wish there was a smart person bootcamp i could mail him off to.