Intellectuals

By: Paul Johnson

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Since the time of Voltaire and Rousseau, the secular intellectual has increasingly filled the vacuum left by the decline of the cleric and assumed the functions of moral mentor and critic of mankind. This fascinating portrait of the minds that have shaped the modern world examines the moral credentials of those whose thoughts have influenced humanity.

How do intellectuals set about reaching their conclusions? How carefully do they examine the evidence? How great is their respect for truth? And how do they apply their public principles to their private lives? In an intriguing series of case studies and incisive portraits, Rousseau, Shelley, Marx, Ibsen, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Bertrand Russell, Brecht, Sartre, Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, Noam Chomsky, and others are revealed as intellectuals both brilliant and contradictory, magnetic and dangerous.

©1988 Paul Johnson (P)1989 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Brilliant book- grating narrator.

I was at first charmed by the change in voice the narrator affects when quoting the titular "Intellectuals," however, he uses precisely the same alternative (and rather grating) tonality for every single quotation. It gets the point across of pompiety and condescension that is reflected by the quotations, but it can be a bit much to sit through the longer quotes.

That aside--Paul Johnsons work and insights are, as usual, sublime. It's a worthy listen if you, like me, don't have the time or inclination to read the book.

Amazing in its effective take downs

This book is all about some very high profile thinkers that have influenced western civilization and the world. The author uses their actions in their own lives to show the hypocrisy they had between how they thought everyone else should live versus how they chose to live. I was hooked after the first line in the book. “Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an interesting madman.” These are the words his long time female companion used to describe him! The way these people lived their lives while lecturing the masses as to how they should live should dissuade a rational thinker not to adopt their ideas. When he talks about Karl Marx he says that people who accept his ideas are not vigorous thinkers. I found that funny, not because it’s incorrect but because the author wasn’t more direct and derogatory. History shows us that Marx was a major influence on Lenin, Stalin and Mao. These folks should have ruined the ideology for anyone in the future and yet, folks like Bernie Sanders still spout the same tired rhetoric and it still gains some traction:( The narrator is clearly from Europe which may take some a little while to get used to but I found it helps when he says names and certain phrases in the proper accent and manner. An American narrator would butcher much of this and that would detract from the work in my humble opinion. Long listen but well worth the time and you will be better equipped to debate your “less mentally vigorous” friends!

enlightening

This book is a slayer of sacred cows. As a history teacher this book was captivating and painted such a picture of these juggernauts of literature and philosophy that they were alive on the page.

This is a great, insightful read!!

I already believed much of what Johnson writes about here, but never had the vocabulary or depth of knowledge to state my case. Johnson does so here with seeming ease.
The only issue I have with the audio version is that the narrator finds it necessary to affect native dialects when quoting these intellectuals, almost as if he's purposely trying to ridicule Johnson himself by turning in a secondsecond-rate performance. Otherwise, it's really a good audiobook!!

it was okay

Good biography of multiple personalities, but not my cup of tea. I really don't have any affinity (positive or negative) to any of these characters of history, save 2 or 3, so it was just not in my interest. there were highlights of intrigue within each chapter, and the conclusion was the best. I appreciated how the author critiqued many of the esteemed intellectuals. So I saved and gave it 3 Stars instead of 2. But, at times, I can't stand the heavy British accent when listening to audible books--this com was one of them.

Johnson plus Davidson = Awesomeness

Such a unique and sorely needed take on the subject. If the rest of Johnson’s work is half as good as this then count me in. Frederick Davidson takes pure delight in the reading, even tho some of the content might have hit a bit close to home. If nothing else, listen to the last 5 minutes where Johnson makes his conclusion. We need a poster with that excerpt in every university in the country.

Great book. Well read (audible)

The trail of the intellectuals is filled with radicalism and perversion. It is very interesting to see the men and women behind the theories and ideas that have greatly influenced culture in the past few centuries. Intellectuals may be brilliant in art or have a certain area of expertise, but when an intellectual begins to express influence in an area outside of where he or she has proven his or her mastery of a subject, beware. "A dozen people picked at random on the street are at least as likely to offer sensible views on moral and political matters as a cross-section of the intelligentsia. But I would go further. One of the principal lessons of our tragic century, which has seen so many millions of innocent lives sacrificed in schemes to improve the lot of humanity, is-beware intellectuals. Not merely should they be kept well away from the levers of power, they should also be objects of particular suspicion when they seek to offer collective advice. Beware committees, conferences and leagues of intellectuals. Distrust public statements issued from their serried ranks. Discount their verdicts on political leaders and important events."

Beautiful framework for understanding our modern world-ways

Lucid and instructive historical narrative of why and how we think as a society as well as how we have been and continue to be seduced by our “intellectual” class. Super and sober narrative voice!

Absolutely amazing

Johnsons book, both brilliantly written and thoroughly researched, does more than any other to help elucidate patterns among intellectuals over the past 2 centuries. In doing so he helps illustrate how the tactics and behaviors of these individuals has impacted our society to this day and helps justify a healthy skepticism with which to view such people. Can't recommend enough!

Wonderful Biographical Audiobook!

Paul Johnson is incomparable in this book! He presents in great clarity, biographical overviews of many intellectuals who have caused tremendous sorrow in western society. After listening to this audiobook, which covers a wide range of persons (Rousseau to James Baldwin, with many, many others); you will undoubtedly have a better understanding of who these people really were!

Many thanks Mr. Johnson for taking the time to write this informative book! Additionally, Fredrick Davidson did an excellent job reading the text. I unhesitatingly recommend this audiobook!