244 CHAPTER 12 The Impact of Nanotechnology whole structure of education, especially the formal years of schooling from the ages of six to eighteen. The content of what is currently taught seems very far from what would be required for future designers of nanoartifacts. During the last century or so, we have become accustomed to highly formalized education in which a growing state bureaucracy has played a large part, not only in building and running schools, but also in devising and managing curricula. Yet, if the technical literacy associated with nanotechnology (Section 12.6.3) develops to a significant degree, the need for such tutelage will wither away, and parents will be capable, and hopefully willing, to once again take on the principal responsibility for their children's education. This is just another example of how the Nanotechnol- ogy Revolution will lead to far-reaching social changes that will go way beyond merely devising new educational materials and objects with the help of nanotechnol- ogy, while leaving the fundamental aims and processes unchanged. The paradigm exemplified by every citizen designing their own material artifacts for fabrication on their personal nanofactory applies equally well to the possibility of their designing every aspect of their lives.