Lewis A. Coser takes readers from the coffeehouses of 18th-century London to the mass-culture industries of today in search of a definition for the intellectual.
Describing the settings where intellectuals thrive and exploring the nature and contributions of various well-known groups, he discusses the various roles intellectuals play in society and why they matter.
Highly enjoyed this book. It was written a while back, but still remains relevant. The book begins with defining an intellectual. The author eventually comes to a conclusion, as describing him/her as, "having a childlike playfulness/curiosity for ideas." So, I guess intellectual curiosity is whats most needed.
A short history of how intellectual curiosity spread, and the lives of intellectuals.
- Major takeaway: Establishing a "coffeehouse" in the 21st century, where ideas are not judged, but thought through with intellectual openness, would be ideal. Yes, many people would say the internet will suffice, but I think discussions face to face would be ideal.