Intellectual: My thoughts and our actions

Author: Xu Ben
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Politics is not a moral discussion. Politics is the gray area where justice and ethical principles encounter real-world problems. When intellectuals engage in politics, their responsibility is to help imperfect public life find a foothold for freedom and reason outside of moral perfectionism and utilitarian politics. Some say that democracy is like a raft for crossing the river. Although the raft may look simple and always be wet, it can still allow people to land safely without the risk of sinking. The same is true for democratic politics. Only intellectuals who are not afraid of getting their feet wet can board the raft of democratic politics.