I lost interest in most fiction after my 20s and when I discovered non-fiction. I became an avid reader of history (American, in particular), technology development, civilization, biography, and politics. The intersection of these areas is quite fascinating.
You are right — it is certainly NOT taught in schools. It’s something you need to learn on your own after completing your formal education.
I wouldn’t quite go so far as to say “Fiction does not edify a man,” though.
I love the TimeGhost videos, watching the “Between 2 Wars” series, it’s fascinating to learn all the stuff.
History, philosophy, physics, biography (history), political analysis are all rich writing.
And often written at a level above fictional novels.
But for some reason curricula all center on fiction, and it’s a feminine construct.
Who cares about the character Gatsby?
Who cares about the Great Migrations preceding the Dark Ages?
Let students read what they are interested in.