Customer Reviews

Anxious Intellects: Academic Professionals, Public Intellectuals, and Enlightenment Values

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Anyone interested in broadening his or her horizons in terms of understanding just how we are influenced by intellectuals in contemporary American society will find this fascinating, provocative, and well-written new book by academic John Michael a welcome introduction to the subject of the roles of intellectuals in influencing and informing public understanding and participation in the political process. The simple fact that the author has succeeded in getting this thoughtful probe into the nature of the intellectual pursuits published speaks volumes about the value of the book itself, for he has evidently succeeded in turning what could have been an offbeat and low-pulsed subject into a immensely interesting and entertaining look at a number of our contemporary intellectuals, at the same time also exploring individual authors' styles and substance and explaining how each of the elements in their interesting intellectual products affects us as citizens operating in a democracy.

Michael argues quite persuasively that without an active, informed, and energetic effort on the part of a well-placed caste of intellectuals on both sides of the political aisle, effective and meaningful participation in a democratic state (or in a constitutional republic like ours) is problematic, if not impossible. Certainly, with the rise of the electronic media, many thoughtful scholars are questioning whether accurate and meaningful information is being imparted and disseminated to the citizenry at large. In this sense the author's concern is well placed, and he approaches the issue of the role of intellectual conversations among the citizenry with verve and energy. He also seems quite willing to jump into the current "culture wars' fray by examining the degree to which intellectual discussion addresses the real needs of the populace and the degree to which individual intellectuals and celebrities like Rush Limbaugh (to call this clown an intellectual seems a contradiction in terms) seem engaged in mere polemics as apologists of a particular political persuasion.

This is a serious book, and yet is also one that is fun to read, with many interesting asides and anecdotes to keep the reader's interests and spirits up as one trudges through the otherwise depressing minefields and foxholes of the various battles now conducted on the contemporary intellectual landscape. Although Michael obviously has a point of view and a particular perspective he is not shy about sharing, he is also seemingly fair-minded and objective in citing the various aspects of individual intellectual's strengths and weaknesses. This is an interesting, entertaining, and well-written book I heartily recommend.

I bought this book as a gift for my son; it was on his Amazon wish list. The book arrived in the condition it was advertised and in a timely manner.

Clearly the views set out in this book are of high sophistication towards intellectuals. How fitting. John Michael breaks down intellectuals, and there specific roles, and duties in the American Dichotomy. Higher level readers will find great debate in the views set out in the book. A true account and testimony of intellectuals abilities, responsibilities, and roles in westernized society.