Skip to content

The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals…

“The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in this country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?” quote by Myrna Loy
Download Open image
““The tragedy is that thinking men, so-called intellectuals, seem to threaten the electorate. We have in this country an anti-intellectual strain that scares the bejesus out of me. Don't we want a bright man? Don't we want a creative man? Must we always have these hacks?””

Myrna Loy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that intellectuals are viewed with suspicion, creating an anti‑intellectual climate that hinders progress.

In simple terms: People fear smart, creative thinkers.

Key Takeaway

Encourage respect for intellect.

Themes

intellectualism politics culture fear creativity

Mood

concerned critical

Type

political social

When to use this quote

  • education policy
  • media coverage
  • public debates
  • leadership selection

Key Concepts

anti‑intellectualism public discourse elitism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can society value intellect without alienating voters?
  • What steps reduce anti‑intellectual bias?
A Different Perspective

The statement may overgeneralize and ignore benefits of diverse viewpoints.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Myrna Loy

Explore all 17 Myrna Loy quotes

More American politics quotes

Browse all 412 American politics quotes