---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As to whether those who fit the common…"
description: "\"As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term \"intellectual\" should act in the manner that [ Edward] Said prescribes, that's another quest..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a7/noam-chomsky-42_agree_as-to-whether-those-who-fit-the-common-m_2491969.jpg"
---

#  As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term…

![“As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term &quot;intellectual&quot; should act in the manner that &#91; Edward&#93; Said prescribes, that's another question. Needless to say, I agree with him that they should, and that they commonly do not.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a7/noam-chomsky-42_agree_as-to-whether-those-who-fit-the-common-m_2491969.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a7/noam-chomsky-42_agree_as-to-whether-those-who-fit-the-common-m_2491969.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3a7/noam-chomsky-42_agree_as-to-whether-those-who-fit-the-common-m_2491969.jpg)

> “As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term "intellectual" should act in the manner that \[ Edward\] Said prescribes, that's another question. Needless to say, I agree with him that they should, and that they commonly do not.”

[Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/)

## About This Quote

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

Intellectuals should follow Said's recommendations, but often do not.

**In simple terms:** Intellectuals should act as Said says, but they usually don't.

Key Takeaway

Encourage intellectuals to adopt Said's stance.

Themes

responsibility politics intellectualism

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic conferences
- policy debates
- media commentary

Key Concepts

critical theory public discourse

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do intellectuals resist Said's advice?
- What barriers prevent alignment with his views?

A Different Perspective

Implementation may be hindered by institutional inertia.

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