ABIODUN ADIGUN
“Unlike the masses,
intellectuals have a taste for
rationality and interest in facts.
Their critical habit of mind
makes them resistant to
the kind of propaganda that
works so well on the majority.”
~ Aldous Huxley
As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of books and ideas, I’ve come to realize that intellectuals and thinkers see the world through a different lens.
For us, it’s not about blindly following the crowd or swallowing propaganda hook, line, and sinker.
Our experiences with books have taught us to question, to analyze, and to seek out the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Aldous Huxley’s quote resonates deeply with me: “Unlike the masses, intellectuals have a taste for rationality and interest in facts.”
This isn’t about being elitist or looking down on others; it’s about being driven by a desire to understand the world as it truly is.
We’ve spent countless hours poring over texts, debating ideas, and testing hypotheses for decades.
As a result, we’ve developed a critical habit of mind that makes us resistant to the kind of propaganda that often sways the majority.
For intellectuals, it’s not about what’s popular or trendy; it’s about uncovering the facts and understanding the underlying truths.
We’re not satisfied with surface-level explanations or simplistic solutions. Instead, we’re driven by a passion for knowledge and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even if it takes us to the ends of the earth.
Not every educated person is an intellectual.
You could possess a PhD degree and not be an intellectual.
Having a degree doesn’t necessarily mean one has developed the critical habit of mind, the taste for rationality, or the passion for truth that defines an intellectual.
An intellectual or thinker is someone who engages in critical thinking, analysis, and reflection, often challenging conventional wisdom and seeking to understand the world in a deeper way.
They are driven by a desire to uncover knowledge and truth, and are not satisfied with surface-level explanations or simplistic solutions.
An intellectual is not defined by their credentials, but by their approach to knowledge and their commitment to critical thinking.
They may be scholars, researchers, teachers, writers, or simply curious individuals who are passionate about learning and understanding the world.
What sets them apart is their ability to think independently, to question assumptions, and to seek out evidence-based knowledge.
Whether or not they hold a degree, an intellectual is someone who embodies the values of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning.
This approach to life can sometimes make us seem out of touch with the masses. We’re not swayed by emotional appeals or herd mentality.
Instead, we’re guided by our own internal compass, one that’s calibrated to the pursuit of truth and rationality.
This can be both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, it allows us to see through lies and propaganda, to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter.
On the other hand, it can make us seem aloof or detached from the rest of society.
Despite this, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, don’t see me as someone who’s difficult to please, a troublemaker, or arrogant because of my stance on issues.
For me, the pursuit of truth and knowledge is a lifelong journey, one that’s worth every moment of struggle and uncertainty.
And when the dust settles, I know that I’ll be standing on the side of those who value facts over fiction, rationality over emotion, and truth over propaganda.
That’s what sets intellectuals apart from the rest – our unwavering commitment to the truth, no matter where it takes us.
