[druddha]

It's an obviously an analogy.

In modern society, is knowing how to change a tire more practical than understanding the basis of argument?

> You tend to be good at the things you work at, and work at the things you like.

You work at those things which bring you utility. It's a subtle difference, but utility includes activities you don't like but which generate income. Ideally, those activities are also beneficial for society. Critical thinking is more highly valued in modern society than is knowing how to change a flat.