Interesting that I've only recently learned that the doctor spanks the baby for a reason entirely different than shutting him up.
Moving right along:
Go to school and learn "This is how we've done things in the past and this is how we do things now." Not all that different in my opinion. Also learn "If you don't do it the way we do things now you will be punished."
Graduate high school:
You've decided on or are leaning towards politics so it's off to college.
The college years:
You notice there's some serious problems with your home society and some pretty daunting problems around the world. However; do NOT forget that if you try doing things other than the way we're teaching you will be punished.
The political years:
All you know is how we've done things and how we currently do things. You also know that if you try to do it other than the way that has already been described to you in school you will be punished, and good lord you will, in fact, be mercelessly punished. Not being able to stray outside the proverbial lines, you have absolutely no fucking clue how to fix the problems facing society. However; if you do not lie and pretend as though you do know how to fix the problems you will lose your job, source of sustenence that is. Who would elect a politician that says "Well... I'm open to ideas?"
The truth
no one knew how to fix the world's problems. If the politician told the truth, that he didn't know just like everyone else didn't know, no one would vote for him, he'd lose his job and possibly starve in the street. Yeah they lied, but that was their job...