Free to Think or Free of Thought

If you look for it I am convinced that you will see it. The anti-intellectualism of our culture is truly pervasive. There is almost a moral revulsion that can be found in the air and it is aimed at those who tote learning as a worthwhile pastime. We often hear this idea reaffirmed when we herald the superiority of "common sense" over esoteric knowledge. You can see it when we consistently attach words like nerd or geek to persons who devote their time to studying almost anything other than the sports page.

Anti-intellectualism is not a new trend in our society. Rather it has been here from the days of early America, which was a nation made up mostly of those who were discontent with various aspects of European society. Europe was seen as decadent, cosmopolitan, and artificial by colonial Americans. Meanwhile, the new nation was forming its own identity in reaction to these ideas and began to view itself as benevolent, rustic and natural. In short, American society began to view intellectuals as effeminate, impractical, elitist and perhaps even dangerous. It was the notion of elitism that mixed with egalitarianism and democracy that gave the American people even more righteous anger towards intellectuals. In this way learning was perceived as an enemy of a classless society.

Intellectuals, on the other hand, haven't always done a great deal to help their cause as they become high on heady thoughts and often speak above others for the sake of exclusivity rather than for specificity. However, we cannot allow the lack of humility of some intellectuals who become to high on ideas to cause us to scorn learning altogether. That would mean (to barrow a parochial phrase) "throwing the baby out with the bath water." Instead we must recognize learning for its intrinsic value and give it its proper emphasis in society. Learning makes for better citizens. It is the keystone of democracy. Without it we cannot allow common men and women to participate in government because they simply wouldn't be qualified. Learning promotes maturity and responsibility and it ultimately gives young people the critical thinking skills necessary to make responsible decisions, thus bestowing them with the keys to adulthood.

So what can we do to change our anti-intellectual environment? Lets start by changing the way we talk about those who study. Even in jesting, we should not refer to them as nerds, geeks or use other language to identify them as social outcasts. We can also begin to give education the attention that it deserves and take away much of the inapropriate importance that is placed on atheletics in many of our schools and colleges. I enjoy sports, but I have often observed how they can be a distraction from learning as the priorities of students, staff and faculty often become mixed up. Schools are primarily institutions for learning- its that simple. Finally, we can also start viewing education as more than merely a means to an end, a passport to privilege or your ticket to your job. Learning becomes infinitely more enjoyable and valuable when we recognize its intrinsic value and its life changing power.