"It is ironic that the United States should have been founded by intellectuals, for throughout most of our political history, the intellectual has been for the most part either an outsider, a servant or a scapegoat"
- Richard Hofstadter
About this Quote
This quote by Richard Hofstadter is a reflection on the paradoxical relationship between intellectuals and the United States. It is paradoxical that the United States was founded by intellectuals, yet throughout the majority of its political history, intellectuals have actually been dealt with as outsiders, servants, or scapegoats. This suggests that the United States has actually not constantly valued the contributions of intellectuals, regardless of the reality that they were instrumental in the founding of the nation. This quote highlights the requirement for the United States to recognize the value of intellectuals and their contributions to the country. It likewise works as a suggestion that the United States must strive to create an environment where intellectuals are appreciated and valued.
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