When we think of intellectuals, we often imagine the Hollywood portrayal of geniuses, like the character in “A Beautiful Mind.” These individuals are depicted as extraordinary, seeing things that others cannot, and existing in a realm beyond the reach of ordinary people. However, this image is a distortion of what being an intellectual truly means. In reality, intellectual life is both extraordinary and accessible to everyone.
Hi, I’m Zena Hitz, a college professor at St. John’s College in Annapolis and the author of “Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life.” My journey in academia was promising, yet I felt something was missing. This led me to leave my career and spend time in a monastery, seeking to understand the true nature of intellectual life. What does it mean to engage in reading, studying, and thinking?
Aristotle, a philosopher I have studied extensively, warned against living lives focused solely on telic activities—actions that serve as a means to an end. He believed that work should serve the purpose of leisure, not the other way around. We often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of constant activity, chasing goals without ever reaching them. My work encourages people to reflect on what truly matters—the moments that give life meaning and purpose.
Intellectual life doesn’t have to be about acquiring something. It’s about engaging in activities for their own sake, such as reading, thinking, and observing the world around us. These activities are deeply personal and belong to you alone. They are part of your inner self, inaccessible to others.
Consider Albert Einstein, often seen as the epitome of genius. Yet, as a young man, he struggled to find work due to his unconventional nature. Working in a patent office, he found a space to think freely, leading to groundbreaking insights in physics. He referred to this office as “the worldly cloister where he hatched all his most beautiful ideas.” Despite societal barriers, Einstein found a way to pursue his intellectual passions.
For a long time, we haven’t viewed learning or intellectual life as something tied to an individual’s attitude rather than their social status, wealth, race, or gender. It’s a fundamental aspect of being human, a capacity that can grow and evolve. Intellectual activity is abundant in everyday life, offering a freedom and depth that is independent of external perceptions.
Ultimately, intellectual life is about exploring the world and ourselves, finding joy in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It’s a journey that is available to all, regardless of societal constraints, and it enriches our humanity.
Engage in a daily journaling exercise where you reflect on your personal intellectual pursuits. Write about what activities you engage in for their own sake and how they contribute to your understanding of the world. This will help you internalize the concept of intellectual life as described in the article.
Participate in a group discussion focused on Aristotle’s views on telic activities and leisure. Discuss how these ideas apply to modern life and share personal experiences where leisure has led to meaningful insights. This will deepen your understanding of how intellectual life can be integrated into everyday activities.
Analyze the case of Albert Einstein’s early career and his time at the patent office. Discuss how his environment and attitude contributed to his intellectual breakthroughs. This activity will illustrate the importance of creating personal spaces for intellectual exploration.
Spend an hour observing a natural or urban environment and note down your observations. Focus on engaging with the world around you without any specific goal. This exercise will help you practice the art of intellectual engagement for its own sake, as emphasized in the article.
Write a personal manifesto outlining your beliefs about intellectual life and how you plan to cultivate it. Include specific activities you enjoy and how they contribute to your personal growth. This will help you articulate and commit to your intellectual journey.
Intellectual – Relating to the ability to think and understand ideas and information at a high level. – Engaging in intellectual discussions about ethics can deepen one’s understanding of moral philosophy.
Philosophy – The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. – Her interest in philosophy led her to explore the works of existentialist thinkers like Sartre and Camus.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. – Cognitive psychology examines how people perceive, think, and solve problems.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Learning about different psychological theories can provide insights into human behavior.
Meaning – The significance or purpose of something, often explored in philosophical contexts. – Philosophers often debate the meaning of life and what constitutes a fulfilling existence.
Purpose – The reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. – In existential philosophy, individuals are encouraged to find their own purpose in life.
Activities – Actions or tasks that are done to achieve a particular aim, often studied in psychology to understand behavior. – Group activities in a classroom setting can enhance collaborative learning and critical thinking skills.
Knowledge – Information, understanding, or skill that one gets from experience or education. – The pursuit of knowledge is a central theme in both philosophy and psychology.
Attitude – A settled way of thinking or feeling about something, often reflected in a person’s behavior. – A positive attitude towards learning can significantly impact a student’s academic performance.
Humanity – The quality of being humane; benevolence, or the human race collectively. – Philosophers often explore the concept of humanity to understand ethical obligations towards others.
