Americans have always had an ambivalent attitude toward intelligence. When they feel threatened, they want a lot of it, and when they don't, they regard the whole thing as somewhat immoral.

Summary

This quote highlights the inconsistent attitude of Americans towards intelligence. It suggests that Americans tend to value intelligence when they perceive it as necessary for their well-being or security. During such times, they greatly appreciate and desire intelligence. However, when they feel relatively safe or comfortable, they may view intelligence with suspicion or even scorn, considering it as morally ambiguous or unnecessary. The quote implies a fickle perspective on intelligence, which is influenced by perceived threats and societal circumstances within American culture.

Topics