--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As things stand the \"intellectuals\" only…" description: "\"“As things stand the \"intellectuals\" only come out to lick the bones left over by the tyrant.”\" — Nilantha Ilangamuwa" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/nilantha-ilangamuwa-18641_freedom_as-things-stand-the-intellectuals-only-c_90664.jpg" --- # As things stand the "intellectuals" only come out to lick… ![“As things stand the "intellectuals" only come out to lick the bones left over by the tyrant.” quote by Nilantha Ilangamuwa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/nilantha-ilangamuwa-18641_freedom_as-things-stand-the-intellectuals-only-c_90664.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/nilantha-ilangamuwa-18641_freedom_as-things-stand-the-intellectuals-only-c_90664.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/nilantha-ilangamuwa-18641_freedom_as-things-stand-the-intellectuals-only-c_90664.jpg) > ““As things stand the "intellectuals" only come out to lick the bones left over by the tyrant.”” [Nilantha Ilangamuwa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nilantha-ilangamuwa/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Intellectuals are portrayed as opportunists who exploit the remnants left by oppressive power rather than challenging it. **In simple terms:** Intellectuals are seen as opportunistic followers of tyranny. Key Takeaway Intellectuals may serve the tyrant's leftovers. Themes politics intellectual critique power dynamics morality Mood skepticism cynicism Type quote political commentary When to use this quote - political analysis - academic discourse - media commentary Key Concepts opportunism complicity Practical Applications - critical essays - public debates Questions to Reflect On - Do intellectuals have a duty to resist oppression? - How can they avoid becoming tools of power? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Intellectuals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intellectuals/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Problem of evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-of-evil/) [Social systems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-systems/) [Tyrants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tyrants/) ## Related quotes > [“There is something empowering about being gutted out with an ice pick until there is nothing but skin and bones left of your being.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tabatha-beshears/there-is-something-empowering-about-being-gutted-out-with-an-ice-pick/) [Tabatha Beshears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tabatha-beshears/) > [Public intellectuals come from a range of areas and use their expertise to comment more widely than just their field. 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