I think you guys use a lot more of what you learned that you think you do. In school, you learn a subject, and you also learn how to think about that subject. Learning math teaches you how to think in steps and theories. Learning science teaches you how to problem solve, and even morally (scientific method is the same thing we do when making moral considerations). Languages teaches you how to convert thoughts into other thoughts at a fast pace. PE teaches you self motivation and team work. Art teaches you how to express your creativity.

If we don't force kids to learn a broad amount of subjects, then they truly will never find their talents, most of the time. How many adults now are doing something other than what they wanted to be when they were a kid? Most of them. If we just let kids study whatever they wanted, then we wouldn't have many mathematicians, chemists, engineers. We would have a lot more astronauts, fire fighters, and vets though.