We were trained in school to memorize information in order to regurgitate it on the test.  An intellectual binge and purge of sorts.  How much of that information did we really retain?  Probably little to none.  And how did the process of memorizing and reciting help you?  It didn't.  At least not in a world currently driven by technology and instant access to unlimited information.  

How many random facts about pop culture could you recite?  I know way more about the Kardashians than I care to admit.  Why is this?  Because when we are engaging in something that we are interested in our brain holds on to the information.  

Being trained to conform used to make sense in the industrial era.  The problem is, we don't live in that era anymore.  At this point there is so much noise in the world that the only way to be noteworthy is to be different.  To be YOUnique.  To do something that matters.  

If you've never heard of Seth Godin you should definitely follow his blog, read his books and watch his TED talks.