We teach the basics. We build the foundation that the specific information we will need can be built from. We teach history so that we learn that learning from the mistakes others made is less painful than making those mistakes for ourselves. We teach civics and the rules of diplomacy so that we can discuss our problems and the things we disagree about without anger and hostility. The base of knowledge we teach must be formidable so that we can move forward with confidence, rather than the arrogance of ignorance that holds us back so effectively today.