[olso4052]

And that's cool. Your story is a good one and you bring up a lot of good points. The area where I firmly disagree is how absolute you are.

Are you being overly narcissistic? Probably, but that's fine - it's an opinion and he should hear it. But saying so concretely that it's always bad and will always do X and ruin X is really a poor way to convey information, especially to a younger fellow looking for answers.

However, the main thing it sounds like we disagree on is the future of education. You are correct that there are lots of problems with the college system, but all I can see is it growing. College just brings you to the table, like a high school degree did 40 years ago. Now it's grad school that sets you apart, education wise. I can only see that continuing to evolve into the future. Hopefully what is taught becomes more practical, but higher-learning is not leaving.

You're main point about getting knowledge elsewhere is true. However. 1) it's very difficult to convey to the outside world that you have that info without a degree, and 2) very few people are motivated enough to actually do that. Bill Gates is a rare example, we can all agree on that. I'm sure this kid will be able to read a dozen econ and marketing books and come out ahead, and so your advice could make sense to him. However, very few people are going to have the initiative, and so college will continue to thrive.

If you are selling all your college stock, I'm buying it, and feeling pretty good.