Intellectuals and society

There are two types of writers: those who write to support the existing system and prove and augment its legitimacy through their writings. On the other hand, there are those who critically examine society and make an attempt to restructure and reform it on the basis of fresh ideas.
The task of intellectuals is to create social and political consciousness and give a sense of dignity and honour to people. It is further incumbent upon them not to compromise with the existing system but raise their voice against injustice, oppression, and exploitation. There have been intellectuals throughout the course of history who have paid a heavy price for their opposition to dictators and despots. They endured imprisonment and torture but remained firm about their ideas and principles. This changed history and they became immortal.
The term ‘intellectual’ was coined in the 19th century in France for those writers, artists, philosophers, and journalists who as a group challenged the outdated and obsolete traditions and values of their society and proposed alternative system to reshape the social structure. In this respect, it is wrong to label those who support the exploitative status quo and flatter the ruling classes to achieve their self interest as ‘intellectuals’.
If we go through European history, we find that intellectuals have played a positive and constructive role. In 18th century France, a group of philosophers not only challenged the old system of knowledge but changed the mindset of people. They contributed to all genres of literature from philosophy to plays, short stories, novels, dramas, and serious topics of history, law and culture. Their major contribution was publication of an encyclopaedia: a novel idea at that time to present accumulated knowledge. The impact of this group of writers was very deep. Their ideas and philosophy was adopted by the French Revolutionary leaders in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the different constitutions.
European intellectuals expressed their original ideas at important junctures of history, when society was perfectly ripe for change. The French Revolution was an event which changed the course of European history. The intellectuals assessed the consequences of such a movement and helped the people by guiding them through their writings. The Industrial Revolution was another event which greatly influenced society and changed the relationship of classes. When Germany suffered as a result of the Napoleonic war and faced defeat and humiliation, the German intellectuals came forward to rescue it from this crisis. Herder and Fichte played an important role in creating a national consciousness among people which consequently led to the formation of a strong German nationalism.
Thus, the intellectuals, keeping in view the condition of society, guided and pointed out the dynamics of new systems. Different movements which reformed the society were launched by the intellectuals such as the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Nationalism, socialism, and feminism. The first and second world wars shocked them and produced quite different movements in art and literature such as existentialism.
European intellectuals became independent in the 15th and the 16th century as a result of the invention of the printing press and the emergence of publishing houses. The new phenomenon created a consumer class who wanted to read books. The publishing of newspapers, magazines, journals, pamphlets, and books made writers financially independent. Erasmus, the famous writer of the Renaissance era, survived on the income from his writings. With the spread of education and the establishment of public libraries and reading rooms, the demand fro books and public awareness about intellectual movements increased simultaneously. This changed the fate of writers. They became respectable in society because of their scholarly and intellectual contribution.
Keeping in view the role of these intellectuals, we find that they were independent, critical, original, and concerned about the problems of their time. As a result, they were able to change the structure of society and contribute to its betterment through reformative and innovative ideas.
Keeping in mind the vital role intellectuals have played throughout history, we can ask what the role of Pakistani intellectuals in our embattled society should be. First of all, in the category of intellectuals, we have only poets, short story writers and novelists. We do not have philosophers, sociologists, anthropologists or psychologists. Journalists are now a part of intellectual community
This group as a whole is not critical about social, cultural, political, and economic values. With the exception of a few, the majority is on the side of established traditions and ready to sell their knowledge in exchange for material benefits. They are opportunists and change their ideas with the change in the political system. In the time of martial laws, they accommodate with the military regimes and during the democratic governments, they all of a sudden transform into champions of democracy. They are able to wrest high posts out of successive governments through these tactics. They shamelessly flatter each government and enjoy their high status in the society due to the influence their profession affords them.
The tragedy is that, despite knowing their character well, they are respected in society and invited to preside over different literary functions. It shows not only the hollowness of these so-called intellectuals but also of society. They remain silent at the critical juncture. At the time of military action in the former East Pakistan, they kept their silence and did not condemn it. It shows the bankruptcy of our intellectuals.
On the other hand, the few individuals who refuse to play the role of sycophants and try to challenge society and contribute something original are scorned and marginalised. The society is paying the price for this in the form of its degradation and humiliation.

The writer is one of the pioneers of alternate history in the country.