The Latest Theory Is That Theory Doesn't Matter

New York Times (Arts Section) ^ | April 19, 2003 | EMILY EAKIN

[TheMole]

Yes, you're reading this in the New York Times.

[IronJack]

if the track record of intellectuals is any indication, not only have intellectuals been wrong almost all of the time, but they have been wrong in corrosive and destructive ways."

Substitute "liberals" for "intellectuals" and this sentence should be the epitaph of the American Left.

[kesg]

Yes, you're reading this in the New York Times.

It could just as easily been in The Onion. It is one of the most hilarous things I've read in months, and so true when it comes to left wing "intellectuals."

[Right Wing Professor]

Duplicate post

[My2Cents]

"This particular group of intellectuals," she said, "has a terror of being politically irrelevant."

Just out of curiosity, shouldn't that be "has a horror of being politically irrelvant"?

And I have news for them: they ARE politically irrelevant, because their popular political theories have never worked in the real world.

Good article. I think it provides further evidence that the "old left" of the late 20th Century is dead or dying.

[Dog Gone]

"I think one must be careful in assuming that intellectuals have some kind of insight. In fact, if the track record of intellectuals is any indication, not only have intellectuals been wrong almost all of the time, but they have been wrong in corrosive and destructive ways."

That quote is a keeper.

[michigander]

Substitute "liberals" for "intellectuals" and this sentence should be the epitaph of the American Left.

No need. Anyone with half a brain knows that, within the context of the article, "liberals" = "intellectuals"

[Shermy]

Easy for them to say now. They all got tenure. :)

Maybe they got around to reading what Osama actually says as to why he hates "us", instead of fantasizing why they think Osama should hate "us." Kind of puts a damper on the Benetton view of the world.

[LiteKeeper]

read later

[Richard Kimball]

It could just as easily been in The Onion.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I've stated for years that people do what they want to do because they want to do it and philosophy is simply a way of rationalizing what they want to do.

Philosophy has always been about mental masturbation, but you have to take all the courses to be able to say that with any degree of authority.

[IronJack]

It occurred to me that my recommendation was redundant.

[Pukka Puck]

"how much more important the actions of Noam Chomsky are in the world than all the writings of critical theorists combined"

What has Chomsky ever done besides gas?

The actions of Reagan and Dubya have changed the world.

[Shermy]

The professor politely rebuked the student for this utterly moronic Chomsky remark. The kid placed a figurative dunce cap on his head. The scary part - he was totally sincere.

[elbucko]

That quote is a keeper.

It sure is. Summed up "intellectualism", nicely.

[elbucko]

Substitute "liberals" for "intellectuals"

We both know these terms are interchangeable and have been commonly used for referring to the other. (sigh)

[isthisnickcool]

[Monti Cello]

Some similar sentiments expressed between the lines in this piece from the belly of the beast.

Celebrating Thirty Years of Radical Geography

[michigander]

It occurred to me that my recommendation was redundant.

I had no doubt that it did. No offense intended.

Put this article together with this:
Artificial stupidity
And even an "intellectual" dumbass like myself is able to see the totally obvious.

[Monti Cello]

Whoops -- busted link -- sorry.

[LPStar]

I thought this was an April Fool's article, and looked at the date.