The value of a true intellectual is his knowledge of history & philosophy combined with a solid determination to seek the truth.. At least as he sees it. The truth seeking is what others lack.. Without that, you can write a mountain of letters, but no one is edified by reading them.. It's just a waste of time and paper. An intellectual who sets out to propagandize or make excuses is nothing but a hack.. It's why people snicker when they hear the term. Because we've got an ocean of them, and they're all babbling nonsense because they have agendas.. Their thoughts are pointless... Tom Friedman is their king.. Or at least a prince.. The right has their share too.. Bill Kristol is a prominent one..