Intellectual

 

In complex, challenging, and confusing situations, we sometimes need the ideas and advice of others. Such people help us gain different perspectives, teaching us to view events not just in black and white but also in shades of grey. The presence of such individuals is a great asset; they add value to society and play a crucial role in its development. Personally, in difficult times, I turn to books and to the lives and works of people who have rendered great services to history and humanity to find what I need. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to be among such well-informed individuals, but I hope that one day I will have the chance to meet knowledgeable and intellectual people whose thoughts are universal.

What is an intellectual, who can be called one, and why is it so difficult to be an intellectual today? Let’s explore these questions.

Today, the word "intellectual" has unfortunately lost much of its meaning and has become a term used by certain people to present themselves as superior and privileged compared to others. It has become a word with a heavy connotation, but one that has been hollowed out. Many people feel "intellectual" when they read more books, visit art galleries, travel to different cities or countries, or engage in expensive activities. This shows how the term has historically shifted and its meaning diluted. Now, let’s examine the true meaning of this word, its origins, and who can be considered an intellectual.

The word "intellectual" in Turkish comes from the French word intellectuel, which itself originates from the Latin word intellectus. The Latin word intellectus means "understanding" or "comprehension" and derives from the verb intellegere (to understand). In French, intellectuel was used to describe matters related to the mind, intelligence, and thought. Over time, it entered Turkish as "entelektüel," gaining the meaning of a person with well-developed intellectual abilities, knowledge, and a broad cultural background.

This concept played a significant role, especially in Western culture during the Enlightenment period (which began around the 1760s and lasted until the end of the 20th century). One of the most important characteristics of the individuals we refer to as true intellectuals was their freedom and independence in thought and action. This freedom came from their lack of economic ties to institutions like the Church or the state, which held power and authority, as well as to any marginal ideologies. True intellectuals, because of this independence, were able to criticize, question, and deeply analyze society. They were expected to lead society morally and intellectually.

In this context, simply being knowledgeable, teaching at universities, or sharing information through media platforms does not make one an intellectual; it merely means that one is monetizing their knowledge, much like how physical laborers earn money with their bodies. Especially for those who are economically dependent on the state or other institutions, it seems difficult to truly be an intellectual.

The most important traits of an intellectual person are "understanding," "comprehension," and "questioning." But how well do we cultivate individuals with these traits in our society? From kindergarten to the end of high school, students are exposed to around 7,000 words, and linguistic research shows that only about 10% of these words are retained, which equates to roughly 700 words. In such an educational system, rather than raising intellectual individuals, we are educating millions of people who cannot even understand what they read.

With the Enlightenment came a new group of individuals who examined concepts like reason, science, freedom, and human rights in-depth and made significant contributions to modern thought. Some of the most important intellectual philosophers of the 1700s include:

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Immanuel Kant: Kant is famous for his work on the limits of human reason and ethics. He is best known for his book Critique of Pure Reason (1781), in which he explored the nature of knowledge, experience, and human perception. In moral philosophy, he introduced the famous concept of the "Categorical Imperative," arguing that moral action must be based on universal principles.

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Voltaire: Voltaire is renowned for his criticism of religion, his advocacy for freedom of expression, and his views on tolerance.

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau, particularly in his work The Social Contract (1762), redefined the relationship between the individual and society. His ideas about returning to a "state of nature" and individual freedom laid the intellectual foundation for the French Revolution.

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In the 1700s, in the Eastern world, while there was no movement similar to the Enlightenment in the West, the intellectual landscape was enriched by significant thinkers. In the Islamic world, religious reforms and legal studies were prominent, while in China and India, deep thoughts on history, politics, and moral philosophy were developed. These intellectuals made important contributions within their cultural contexts and significantly influenced societal progress.