I like that a lot. Capitalism is based on individual rationality, I think, and someone like Marx would argue that it suffers from a lack of systemic rationality as a result. It's an interesting way to put a fresh spin on an old argument.

Anyway, to answer the (excellent) question -- I had this thought process in about the 10th grade. I think my dad asked me a question about the different types of energy sources -- oil, coal and so on. I was clueless about something very basic that I realized I should absolutely know. Then I took a step back and applied that mindset to my entire life and began what I wholeheartedly consider a lifelong journey to know as much as I possibly can. thundara mentioned history -- that was a big one. Philosophy, too. Literature, general knowledge of the hard sciences. Current events, especially economics. Biographies, documentaries. Even movies to an extent.

In my opinion constantly being on the lookout for new knowledge (outside of school, which teaches me very little) has improved my life a lot and made every day more interesting than it would have been otherwise. Years later, I'm still going strong, reading articles and books on things I'm ignorant about as often as possible. Incidentally, hubski has streamlined this process a lot; thanks guys.