I think he's defining what it means to be intellectual too narrowly. If he considers only phd level research "intellectual" then of course he'll be disappointed by an inventive game imagined by a child.
But what are most phd programs but social rituals in which people first absorb all of the field's dogma, then take prelims, and then work on a niche area of their own advisor's well known work? Such a ritual confers upon the participant the status of "intellectual", but it's primary purpose is social filtering, much like a fraternity hazing ritual or a Dick Cheney duck hunting trip.
Why is creativity not more widespread? Simply because it isn't valued by society. An established professor isn't looking for a totally fresh take on ideas, he's looking for someone who highly values his existing contribution and is willing to do grunt work in exchange for the stamp of institutional approval.
This is also what Society wants. The role of the intellectual is to help keep the status quo in society... hence hte need for a 5 year ritual to pass the gilded baton. Now, anyone can simply look at the embossed seal and feel totally confident that the recipient knows what he is talking about.
In my opinion, intellectuals are people who enjoy being rational and creating biproducts of rationality. Most doctoral theses don't fall under this definition. Most are so unbearable by the time of the defense that the student drops the area of study completely and enters the private sector, aided by the official seal of his institution and the perks of being part of a select social group.
Some people don't like to read, to think, or to discuss ideas. So be it. Such a person may still come up with a brilliant solution to a problem, even by accident. In most cases such a person (like the phd student) has no incentive to change the status quo, merely to play along with it and collect a paycheck. But so be it.
Intellectuals typically surround themselves by others with similar interests and skills. To the true intellectual, creativity is everywhere, from the lyrics of a rap song to the carona on an espresso to the small improvement to the glibc strlen function.
When creativity and insight are coupled with personal courage we get things like linux, Einsteinian physics, and many smaller but equally courageous accomplishments.
Sitting in academe complaining about anti-intellectualism is not creative, intellectual, or courageous!
But what are most phd programs but social rituals in which people first absorb all of the field's dogma, then take prelims, and then work on a niche area of their own advisor's well known work? Such a ritual confers upon the participant the status of "intellectual", but it's primary purpose is social filtering, much like a fraternity hazing ritual or a Dick Cheney duck hunting trip.
Why is creativity not more widespread? Simply because it isn't valued by society. An established professor isn't looking for a totally fresh take on ideas, he's looking for someone who highly values his existing contribution and is willing to do grunt work in exchange for the stamp of institutional approval.
This is also what Society wants. The role of the intellectual is to help keep the status quo in society... hence hte need for a 5 year ritual to pass the gilded baton. Now, anyone can simply look at the embossed seal and feel totally confident that the recipient knows what he is talking about.
In my opinion, intellectuals are people who enjoy being rational and creating biproducts of rationality. Most doctoral theses don't fall under this definition. Most are so unbearable by the time of the defense that the student drops the area of study completely and enters the private sector, aided by the official seal of his institution and the perks of being part of a select social group.
Some people don't like to read, to think, or to discuss ideas. So be it. Such a person may still come up with a brilliant solution to a problem, even by accident. In most cases such a person (like the phd student) has no incentive to change the status quo, merely to play along with it and collect a paycheck. But so be it.
Intellectuals typically surround themselves by others with similar interests and skills. To the true intellectual, creativity is everywhere, from the lyrics of a rap song to the carona on an espresso to the small improvement to the glibc strlen function.
When creativity and insight are coupled with personal courage we get things like linux, Einsteinian physics, and many smaller but equally courageous accomplishments.
Sitting in academe complaining about anti-intellectualism is not creative, intellectual, or courageous!