Idk. I think some societies prize it more highly than others. What must it have been like to live in Athens when Plato was running the Academy? What got you permitted to be there wouldn't be SAT scores or grades, it would be curiosity and flexible thinking. When things like that have enough cachet, an entire society can orient itself in that direction rather than toward conformity or repetition. [edit: See also, modern Israel].

(Funnily enough, I asked GPT-4o just now what the requirements were for joining Plato's Academy, and it said this, exactly):

The requirements for joining Plato's Academy were not formally codified, but there were some general expectations and practices:

    Intellectual Curiosity: Prospective students were expected to have a strong desire to learn and engage in philosophical discussions.

    Age and Background: While there were no strict age limits, most students were young men, often from affluent families, who could afford the time and resources for education.

    Philosophical Training: It was beneficial for students to have some prior knowledge of philosophy or related subjects, as the discussions at the Academy were advanced and complex.

    Commitment to Dialogue: Students were expected to participate actively in dialogues and debates, reflecting the Socratic method that Plato valued.

    Moral Character: A commitment to ethical living and the pursuit of virtue was important, as the Academy emphasized the development of the whole person, not just intellectual capabilities.******