I tend to think that intellectualism in America is the label on a box called college, this box is then traded to companies, without being opened, in exchange for the ability to buy a house, fill it with crap, and park a nice car out front...
I think you're right actually. I actually had a lot of European friends in college because they were far less superficial than most American students.
I think we're coming to a time in the US, and the perhaps the world, where smart / creative people can find each other and find their passions without needing much school. The industrial revolution brought us this system, but now we need something further evolved. I think FabLabs, the Khan Academy, Open Courseware, etc. are all part of this new genus of educational species.
I think you're right actually. I actually had a lot of European friends in college because they were far less superficial than most American students.
I think we're coming to a time in the US, and the perhaps the world, where smart / creative people can find each other and find their passions without needing much school. The industrial revolution brought us this system, but now we need something further evolved. I think FabLabs, the Khan Academy, Open Courseware, etc. are all part of this new genus of educational species.