Character Quote by B.R. Ambedkar
““In every country the intellectual class is the most influential class. This is the class which can foresee advice and lead. In no country does the mass of the people live the life for intelligent thought and action. It is largely imitative and follows the intellectual class. There is no exaggeration in saying that the entire destination of the country depends upon its intellectual class. If the intellectual class is honest and independent, it can be trusted to take the initiative and give a proper lead when a crisis arises. It is true that the intellect by itself is no virtue. It is only a means and the use of a means depends upon the ends which an intellectual person pursues. An intellectual man can be a good man but he may easily be a rogue. Similarly an intellectual class may be a band of high-souled persons, ready to help, ready to emancipate erring humanity or it may easily be a gang of crooks or a body of advocates of narrow clique from which it draws its support.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Thoughts on the role of intellectual class, date unspecified
The intellectual class shapes a nation's destiny, but its impact depends on moral use of intellect.
In simple terms: Intellectuals influence society.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate ethical leadership among thinkers.
Themes
leadership
intellect
society
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- crisis leadership
Key Concepts
political theory
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure intellectuals act ethically?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of intellectual influence?
A Different Perspective
Intellect alone does not guarantee virtue.
![“In the Hindu religion, one can[not] have freedom of speech. A Hindu must surrender his freedom of speech. He must act according to the Vedas. If the Vedas do not support the actions, instructions must be sought from the Smritis, and if the Smritis fail to provide any such instructions, he must…” quote by B.R. Ambedkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/49b/b-r-ambedkar-2-27051_communication_in-the-hindu-religion-one-can-not-have-f_1093917.jpg)
