We may not have free will. After reading that passage in The Elegant Universe it seems very possible that our decisions and logic follow a pre-determined path, perhaps with limited choice on our parts. Maybe in the future, a milestone humans will pass is the realization of this truth and the reform that will need to follow.
Perhaps college was more useful than previously credited for. I came to this conclusion after watching The Wizard of Oz, towards the end, when the wizard revealed himself and spoke to the scarecrow. Success at college isn’t only the technical understanding you gain, but rather the depth with which you can think.