One of the most aggravating things to me in this world has to be the absolutely rampant anti-intellectualism that dominates so many conversations and debates, and its influence just seems to be expanding. Do you think there will ever actually be a time when this ends? I'd hope so once people become more educated and cultural changes eventually happen, but as of now it honestly infuriates me like few things ever have.
Fascists and dictators hate intellectuals because they know better, and those mirroring their tactics to come into power love attacking intellectuals. They weaponise “they think they know so much better than you” when people who studied actually do know better about the topics they’ve invested time into, because most people love thinking they’re smart enough to beat anyone who disagrees. When you’re a teenager or older, it feels bad when someone corrects you, especially if you think you know what you’re talking about, and very few people know when to admit they were wrong.
Look at fascists all over the world, Lenin expelling the intellectuals, the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the shit Erdoğan pulled, and politicians left and right trying to “approach the common man” by making shit up that feels nice. The ease with which humanity can be manipulated will never cease to amaze.
It’s not “dumb versus smart” either. Just look at what kind of drivel established computer scientists put out there when they discuss fields they have no understanding of. They think they’re so smart because they’ve got a nice degree, but forget that their smarts are only proven in a specific field and context.
Self-made people do the same. No matter how successful you are as a businessman, you’re not better at environmental studies or psychology than the experts, even when they’re less successful than you.
However, I don’t think “the world” is anti-intellectual. All across the world, the state funds colleges and students to gain an education. The world has become very pro-intellectual, probably since historically the rich and powerful were the same people who could get an education in the first place. Yes, the government doesn’t always listen tk experts, but that’s always been the case. Looking back at history, that may not even be a bad thing; “experts” with fancy scientific doctorates advocated for lie detectors (still used in some places), racial theories, subjugation of the “proven to be lesser” people, and eugenics.
You need a balance between “science says” and common sense, although in some areas such as climate change I really wish the scientists get more attention.
Fascists and dictators are often supported by intellectuals. Being an intellectual doesn’t mean you’re on the right side of history.