"Transitional Problems of Morale, Attitudes And The Quality of Life"
From The Next 200 Years, by Herman Kahn
In the transition to the postindustrial society, a vast group of intellectuals will be created as the need for expertise increases (and for self-serving reasons as well).
These intellectuals may suffer from the most intense anomie of all social groups. In becoming a mass profession, they open themselves to sharper criticism as a group because their average standards necessarily decline, their contacts with outsiders wither, they become less self-conscious as a stratum but more actively self-serving, and they make clear their belief that they should wield social power.
posted by Justin on 07.02.07 at 11:20 AM
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A vast group of intellectuals whose standards are declining but who believe they should wield social power?
How fortunate we are to live under a system which requires them to first run for office and get elected before they rule -- and under which they can be impeached for misconduct or removed by angry voters. Where no one is obligated to listen to wannabe petty tyrants or pay them the respect they demand. (And where citizens have just as much right to keep and bear arms as those who might want to rule them.)
A vast group of intellectuals whose standards are declining but who believe they should wield social power?
How fortunate we are to live under a system which requires them to first run for office and get elected before they rule -- and under which they can be impeached for misconduct or removed by angry voters. Where no one is obligated to listen to wannabe petty tyrants or pay them the respect they demand. (And where citizens have just as much right to keep and bear arms as those who might want to rule them.)
I guess that's the theory....