What is an intellectual ?
There is no need to wander through the agreed definitions on this question. It is enough to lend an ear to the deep and enlightening voice of Umberto Eco, whose answer transcends time with the force of the obvious:
"How would you define the term intellectual?"
With the clarity of a wise man, Eco sweeps the shots:
"If by intellectual we mean anyone who works with his head and not with his hands, then a bank employee would be an intellectual, and Michelangelo would not be." »
This observation, both blinding and enlightening, just shatters perspectives. Today, with the generalization of computers, everyone could claim to be an intellectual. But, for Eco, the distinction lies neither on the profession nor on the social class.
"For me, an intellectual is one who produces new knowledge by mobilizing his creativity." »
Thus, the realm of intellect expands to unexpected horizons. The farmer who, in a visionary gesture, imagines a new transplant capable of producing unprecedented fruit, is a genuine creator of knowledge. On the other hand, the professor of philosophy, if he is a scholar, who repeats, year after year, the same course on Heidegger, is deprived of this title.
The key to this difference? Creativity is critical.
"Critical mind, the ability to question what we are doing or to invent better ways of doing it, is the only true measure of intellectual activity."
Through these words, Eco reminds that the intellectual does not just know, he dares, inventes, pushes the boundaries of the possible. He does not hide behind ancient truths, but reshapes them, tests them in the present.
Through this vibrant definition of humanity, Umberto Eco offers each of us the opportunity to be an intellectual. Because creativity and critical thinking are not the possession of anyone — they belong to all who, one day, dare to think beyond the chartered chairs.
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