Of Pedantry - Montainge

To begin with, when I started this essay I had never heard the word 'pedantry' before.  A pendant is someone who makes a big show of his or her learning.  Pendant is where we get the word 'pedantic'.  Researchers think that the word is descended from the Latin word for teacher.
In 'On Pedantry', Montaigne takes a look at why intelligence does not necessarily equal wisdom.  He starts by noting how pendants in plays are always shown to be fools.  This is still true in our day.  The character of the Clueless Nerd is a full blown cliche.  And yet, I've met plenty of people who are 'book-wise but not street-smart'.  Who hasn't?
Montaigne suggests that this happens when the wrong values are put in place:

In plain truth, the cares and expense our parents are at in our education, point at nothing, but to furnish our heads with knowledge; but not a word of judgment and virtue.

He says that our education must 'alter us for the better'.  Also, 'We are not to tie learning to the soul, but to work and incorporate them together'.  We must use our learning to make us better and more moral people. 
How do we do that?  Montaigne writes of a an old Persian method, where children were first taught religion, then taught physical skills like riding and hunting.  After that they were given to 'the hands of four, the wisest, the most just, the most temperate, the most valiant'.  These four would teach them religion, sincerity, uprightness, the ability to conquer hunger and desires, and 'to despise danger'.  In short, an education based on practical skills and moral bearings.
He also warns that too much study of the sciences can soften men and dull their edge.  He praises the Spartan way.  Montaigne notes that when Rome became very learned, it declined and was conquered. 

I can't imagine what would happen if a modern community decided to adopt the Persian method of raising children.  In fact, I don't think such a thing is remotely possible in a blended culture like ours.  Which religion would the children be raised in from the start?  Whose values would they be taught?  I'm not sure how much 'moral education' used to be a part of the public school system but I don't see how they can do much teaching now beyond some very broad civics, some simple manners and the like.  More deeply held values and beliefs are better taught from home (and supplementary places like churches, clubs, scout troops, etc). 
Which isn't to say that I don't agree that there is a difference between wisdom and intelligence.  I just don't agree with how Montaigne writes about bridging the gap.