Opus 2025-247: A Label, Not a Description

One of the standing jokes in our family involves the daughter of some friends.  Her peers were giving her a hard time about something and accused her of being an intellectual.  Her response was, “I am not in an intellectual…. What’s an intellectual?”  In spite of being aware of that story I’m afraid I would have to agree with her, I am not an intellectual.  I might also have to echo the second part and ask what an intellectual is.

I have a general idea, but my definition would be pejorative instead of accurate although they might be the same thing.  So let me give you some of the qualities of an intellectual that I find repel me from that class of people.

Intellectuals are name droppers.  It is necessary to name your sources rather than rattle off crazy stuff.  A true teacher keeps the references to a minimum.  When I read a book I want to know what the author is trying to say.  I don’t need long passages from famous people that I have never heard of.

Intellectuals deliberately use big words to confuse.  This is close to name dropping.  If I called you a paragon of perspicacity you might know what I meant if you were paying attention to the vocabulary lessons in high school.  If I say you are very wise even an intellectual would know what I meant.  Big words have their place but the true teacher will make sure you know what they mean.

Intellectuals look down on people who are not a part of their specific in-group.  What is the point of knowing it all if it doesn’t make you better.

Intellectuals think of himself as entitled.  It comes with being superior.  Look back in history at the attitude of most nobles.  They looked on the common people as peasants.  They still do.

Intellectuals generally think they know what’s best for everyone else, but consider themselves above the rules.  This would apply to all of the ruling class.  Note that congress passes laws and usually exempts themselves from having to follow those laws.  Rules are for the little people.

Intellectuals make posturing a new lifestyle. They like to talk like they know what they’re talking about when they really don’t. They like to quote the books on the bookshelf, as if they’ve actually read them instead of just skim for talking points . They condemn you, sometimes, in a very condescending way, for not having read the books that they also have not read.

Keep in mind that if you want advice on how to raise your child, talk to a grandmother with well behaved grandchildren.  Do not bother the child psychologist.  He is probably busy writing another book.

homo unius libri