When it comes to American characteristics, people from many countries will mention one word: ignorance. The appearance of Trump made this impression even more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. But Americans have not always been like this. In the early days of the colonization of North America, New England and other places had excellent intellectual traditions. The earliest universities such as Harvard and Yale were established. There were also knowledgeable people among the founding fathers of the United States. However, shortly after American independence, Jackson's populist politics planted the first anti-intellectual seeds. Since then, the evangelical movement has promoted de-elitization in the church, and the universal reform of high school education has emphasized practicality over academics, which has completely taken root in the hearts of the American public. The boom in business has set off a trend of practicality, and the reliance on intellectuals during the Progressive Era and the New Deal has inspired a backlash against anti-intellectual concepts. In the ups and downs of history, the trend of resisting intellectualism has continued to grow, and it has reached its current level.
Reader comments
It should be said like this: This book is very American. Anti-intellectualism is a thread that connects the United States' comprehensive performance in several aspects. Therefore, reading this book may require a certain foundation in American history. Apart from these, the views and argumentation process of this book are very interesting, because it can be applied not only to the United States, but also to all thinking about intellectuals.
This book gave me a deeper understanding of America's anti-intellectual tradition. Thinking of our own society, a similar phenomenon exists. We should reflect on whether we have overlooked the importance of knowledge and wisdom while pursuing practicality? Only by keeping an open mind can we better cope with the challenges of the times.
It should be said like this: This book is very American. Anti-intellectualism is a thread that connects the United States' comprehensive performance in several aspects. Therefore, reading this book may require a certain foundation in American history. Apart from these, the views and argumentation process of this book are very interesting, because it can be applied not only to the United States, but also to all thinking about intellectuals.
This book gave me a deeper understanding of America's anti-intellectual tradition. Thinking of our own society, a similar phenomenon exists. We should reflect on whether we have overlooked the importance of knowledge and wisdom while pursuing practicality? Only by keeping an open mind can we better cope with the challenges of the times.