"The intellectual tradition is one of servility to power, and if I didn't betray it I'd be ashamed of myself"

Noam Chomsky, renowned for his critiques of political and social systems, typically challenges prevailing intellectual and academic norms. In the quote, "The intellectual custom is one of servility to power, and if I didn't betray it I 'd be ashamed of myself," Chomsky succinctly slams the historic function of intellectuals in society, suggesting they often serve the interests of effective elites instead of challenge them.

The phrase "intellectual tradition" describes the recognized practices and roles of intellectuals throughout history: scholars, writers, theorists, and public thinkers whose work considerably influences societal norms and ideologies. Chomsky argues that instead of serving as independent critics or drivers for social change, intellectuals tend to comply with the interests of those in power. This "servility" indicates a relationship where intellectuals support, validate, or fail to question the actions of governments, corporations, and other power structures, hence keeping the status quo.

Chomsky's usage of "servility" recommends a voluntary subservience or submission, implying that intellectuals frequently have the means to challenge power however select not to, whether due to individual gain, worry, or institutional pressure. By stating he would be "ashamed" not to "betray" this custom, Chomsky positions himself in opposition to these conventional roles. He advocates for intellectuals to accept their possible as independent thinkers capable of challenging and holding the effective accountable.

This viewpoint lines up with Chomsky's more comprehensive work, which often requires rigorous analysis and critique of political and financial systems to expose reality and promote justice. By "betraying" the intellectual tradition, Chomsky suggests that real stability and ethical responsibility for intellectuals depend on withstanding complacency and opposing unjust power structures. In doing so, they can much better serve the broader interests of equity, reality, and societal development instead of simply functioning as tools for those who wield power.