The Prophet

I think you have it backwards - not going to college, or at least a technical/trade school, is the most assured way of doing only that which society dictates for you. Remaining uneducated will get you nowhere. You will only be one more face in a large crowd, kneeling at the feet of "the man," and, right along with the rest of the crowd, you'll likely have your hands out waiting for whatever scraps "the man" wishes to toss you.

And yes, it is an issue of conformity.

Not like that though - maybe like sleeping with the boss. Becoming better educated will guarantee you will be a greater contributer to "the man" but you (along with the rest of society) will benefit far more than "the man" will.

There are better ways to prove yourself a non-conformist. In fact, becoming better educated will afford you greater ability to do just that.

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"The death-knell of the republic had rung as soon as the active power became lodged in the hands of those who sought, not to do justice to all citizens, rich and poor alike, but to stand for one special class and for its interests as opposed to the interests of others. " - Theodore Roosevelt