Laurence Olivier said in an interview once that when he plays a tragedy he always aims for the funny parts and the other way around. Because in a comedy you look for what's serious. I think that's true. Sometimes things are really funny if you're absolutely earnest. If you're really serious it's hilarious.
Without education we are weaker economically. Without economic power we are weaker in terms of national security. No great military power has ever remained so without great economic power.