[Sam Gamgee]

You might have something there. Also a lack of wisdom. I recall watching an old Donahue from the early 80s (or was it late 70s) where he interviewed Ayn Rand. Even though many disagreed with her the questions from the audience were intelligent and well informed on economic issues. I can only imagine if Oprah had Ayn Rand on today the audience would mostly be full of blank stares.

[KosmicKitty]

You might have something there. Also a lack of wisdom. I recall watching an old Donahue from the early 80s (or was it late 70s) where he interviewed Ayn Rand. Even though many disagreed with her the questions from the audience were intelligent and well informed on economic issue

Definitely! We have be come a stupid society. One of the sources I blame - Sesame Street. We've forced learning into 30 second clips. I teach college level classes and textbooks are now filled with big colorful meaningless diagrams to "capture" the attention of students. It's a shame!! Learning doesn't really happen like it does on Sesame Street.