> I still think the ruling class doesn't want tens of millions of
> "analytical" and critical thinkers. They especially don't want a lot
> of critical thinkers.
Is there any demonstrable correlation between analytical and critical thinking (or educational attainment) on one hand and political radicalness and rebellion on the other? I don't see it. I think this is an article of faith that needs a serious rethink. I wonder how critically thinking the Egyptian rioters are.
But I think your argument is interesting, even though the emphasis is wrong. The relevant point is not what the ruling class doesn't want but what they do want. Employers' demand people with quick-thinking skills, not deep-thinking skills, and extremely high and flexible social competence, not quiet, lonely contemplation. College students aren't literate because capitalists not need them to be (he said unambiguously).