Walker Percy critiques the educational system in "Lost in the Cosmos" by expressing disappointment in how it dulls the excitement found in subjects like science and art. He believes that the enthusiasm for these fields is often stifled within the confines of academic institutions, rather than cultivated. According to Percy, the experience of learning becomes a tedious chore, detracting from the inherent joy and wonder of intellectual discovery.

He argues that many individuals actually discover their passion for science or art despite the shortcomings of their formal education, suggesting that the more traditional methods of teaching fail to genuinely engage students. Percy's recollection of studying Shakespeare and Wheatstone's bridge illustrates how these great works can become lifeless and uninspiring through standard educational approaches, leading to a prolonged recovery period to rekindle genuine interest and admiration for such subjects.