As someone who has introduced a lot of young people to the new world of extreme openness that he describes, I have not seen the problem that he postulates must exist.
In fact I think he's setting up a false dichotomy. Spending more effort teaching people does not necessarily make them less independent. Counterexamples: special forces, Montessori schools, YC.
The author is talking about the problems of education. But the issue is deeper and more general than this, and arguably has nothing to do with education.
It has to do with human nature. Look around us. Everyone is concerned with his or her own life. Values such as friendship, community, etc are being thrown aside in exchange for climbing the corporate ladder, and wealth. Individuality is important, but it seems it's being overemphasized.
In fact I think he's setting up a false dichotomy. Spending more effort teaching people does not necessarily make them less independent. Counterexamples: special forces, Montessori schools, YC.