Thank you for the recommendation. I'm yet to checkout any of Neal Stephenson's works, which is real unfortunate.

I was reading their comment and was just about to suggest the same thing.

Well, the goal was to make them come up with cutting-edge theories and/or hypothesis to the most pressing problems facing humanity. Kids will naturally specialize (just like... MoE models?) as their find their groove while growing up, but the goal is to make sure highly gifted kids from diverse background get highest quality space to think without being moulded or "adulterated" by the noise of pop culture and "everyday" life.

    > Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Pinky?
    > I think so, Brain, but --
    > YES! Time to take over the world [utilizing these philosopher kings]!

To jump from one dated pop culture reference to another, it is a very Manchurian Candidate-esque plan. Not one without merit, but clearly a pessimistic take on the future of education for the masses.