Revolutions inherently hinge on the work of intellectuals, but that does not mean that intellectual work is always hinged on the revolutionary path. Regardless of whether this type of \u201cideological masturbation\u201d is welcomed or not, intellectuals play a unique role in that they have the power to directly influence action. Whereas in the case of Gramsci and some of the other authors we studied, intellectuals are vital in acting as the link between the people and governmental power\u2014having one foot in the working-class realm and the other in the political realm\u2014Fanon and others see intellectual involvement as detrimental to furthering the progression of the movement.<\/p>\n
I think it would be blasphemous to claim that a movement could survive\u2014let alone thrive\u2014without a base layer of intellectual work that bolsters it. Without a specific, clear set of values laid out, there is too much possibility for interpretation on the part of the masses. In other words, the intellectual work acts a bit like training wheels, keeping those who are involved in the revolution from falling off the bike and ensuring that they are on the right path towards the ultimate goal. Without these training wheels, people too often would stray\u2014into other\u2019s lanes and off the road altogether\u2014due to a lack of guidance.<\/p>\n
For this reason, intellectual leadership is not only important, but present in every revolution we have studied. It must be in order for something to even be able to attach the \u201crevolution\u201d name to it. In some cases, these leaders have been very apparent, and in others, rather under-the-radar. Baader, for example, although not depicted as the most scholarly gifted individual, actually lays out a successful intellectual groundwork through his own actions that help steer the decisions of his fellow RAF members. By consistently acting recklessly, living without fear, and being willing to die, Baader constructs a non-tangible set of values that his counterparts follow. Baader, although one of the most critical of Ulrike\u2019s academic work, ironically inhabits the very role of the intellectual in his group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Revolutions inherently hinge on the work of intellectuals, but that does not mean that intellectual work is always hinged on the revolutionary path. Regardless of whether this type of \u201cideological masturbation\u201d is welcomed or not, intellectuals play a unique role … Continue reading