The golden mammoth shook his head vehemently. "No, this isn't brainwashing! Every mammoth wants to become a warrior, because only warriors can bring honor to their family, to contribute to the herd! If you want to be more realistic about it, becoming an outstanding warrior will allow you to improve your family's life."

"Yes, I understand. That's precisely what brainwashing is all about!"

China's gaokao [1] was precisely one such type of brainwashing—education is required to have a future, to get into a good university, and hence to obtain a stable career.

Without studying, it would be impossible for an ordinary child to surpass the likes of those born with golden spoons in...