Obscurantism is the academic theorist's revenge on society for having consigned him or her to relative obscurity -- a way of proclaiming one's superiority in the face of one's diminished influence.

Summary

This quote suggests that obscurantism, which refers to the practice of deliberately making things unclear or difficult to understand, is the way in which academic theorists seek revenge on society. By using complex theories and jargon, they distance themselves from the general public, asserting their intellectual superiority. The quote implies that this behavior stems from a sense of frustration or resentment due to their limited impact on society. Hence, obscurantism becomes a means for them to maintain a sense of superiority despite their diminished influence.