It may be that a workable society or culture can tolerate only a small number of critical thinkers

Interesting...i guess it's kind of like the fact that not everyone can drive in the left lane.

People are born into a herd-conformist society, and as such have to find it within themselves to learn to break this mentality. Ironically, this often comes from hearing views from other people that incite critical thought within the individual.

The education level of both the US and UK are dropping, and personally I feel it is intentional, mindless drones incapable of critical thought are easier to control than people capable of arguing.