Business Quote by Joan Wallach Scott

“I think there is a disrespect for the mind that Trump, for example, exemplifies. His is a kind of strategic thinking that's more about shrewdness than about intellect. His attack on "elites" is meant to rally his base to rebel against the powers that be - in Washington especially. I don't think he…” quote by Joan Wallach Scott — Download Open image

“I think there is a disrespect for the mind that Trump, for example, exemplifies. His is a kind of strategic thinking that's more about shrewdness than about intellect. His attack on "elites" is meant to rally his base to rebel against the powers that be - in Washington especially. I don't think he cares much about higher education per se; he just wants to demonstrate that learning isn't necessary for business or government. He wants to elevate mediocrity to a heroic virtue.”

Joan Wallach Scott

About This Quote

Source Article: Gender and Politics, 2015

Trump’s rhetoric devalues intellectual rigor, promoting a populist narrative that glorifies mediocrity over expertise.

In simple terms: He favors populist appeal over scholarly knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate leaders who undermine expertise.

Themes

politics culture education

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political social

When to use this quote

campaign analysis
academic discourse
public policy

Key Concepts

populism intellectual devaluation

Questions to Reflect On

How does anti‑intellectualism affect democratic institutions?
What can educators do to counteract this trend?

A Different Perspective

Some argue this stance resonates with certain voter bases.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Joan Wallach Scott

Freedom of speech is about expressing your opinion, however bad or good, however right or wrong, and being able to defend it and argue…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

The growing gap between rich and poor, the seeming lack of concern for the health and well-being of ordinary people, the obscene salaries made…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

Free speech is what we all have and is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Academic freedom refers to what happens…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

There are students whose religious upbringing is going to make them feel uncomfortable in a class where certain kinds of secular ideas are presented.…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

I think what is being pointed out by African-Americans is that from slavery forward they have been living in a supposed democracy which treats…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

We've increasingly lost that sense of community, of the notion that there is something we contribute to and benefit from that is called the…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

I think the anger that is being directed to universities and so-called elites at universities is actually an anger that's displaced from politicians (who…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

The thing about education - and why I'm so passionate about the position and status of the university - is that it's supposed to…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

Richard Hofstadter, in his famous book which was written in the time of the McCarthy period in the 1950 and 1960s, Anti-intellectualism in American…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

What I mean by the common good is that we understand we're all part of something bigger than ourselves, that we live in societies…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

All of my work in some way or another speaks to political issues according to the upbringing that I had, which was deeply rooted…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

We've increasingly lost that sense of community, of the notion that there is something we contribute to and benefit from that is called the…

Joan Wallach Scott

Image

Explore all 22 Joan Wallach Scott quotes

More Business quotes

Companies with cultures that celebrate diverse opinions and encourage the exchange of ideas have an advantage when solving difficult problems. A company that doesn't…

Doug McMillon