An Attempt to Shake the Intellectuals
There was a time when sages, philosophers, and thinkers were considered the highest echelon of society. Their words held immense influence over rulers, wealthy elites, and prominent groups. No one dared to ignore their guidance, as their ability to provide timely direction and insight was unparalleled.
Philosophers were the foremost class among intellectuals. They authored scriptures, addressing the most pressing issues of their time. They held absolute authority over platforms of discourse (vyāsapīṭham), commanding respect from kings to the common man. Even today, we see remnants of this class in writers, poets, and artists, but they lack a clear direction or purpose. Many among them have become mere servants of the wealthy, producing work that aligns only with the interests of their patrons.
Publishing has become a commercial enterprise, controlled by financial interests rather than intellectual freedom. Writers must adhere to what publishers deem profitable, as only then can they earn a livelihood. Today, countless newspapers, magazines, and books are published, but independent thought is nearly absent. The voices of writers and thinkers are shackled, their original ideas suppressed. Those who attempt independent publications struggle to sustain themselves, as there are no patrons for genuine intellectual inquiry.
The Decline of Scientific Integrity
The second class of intellectuals comprises scientists. In ancient times, philosophers also played the role of scientists. Figures like Charaka, Kaṇāda, Nāgārjuna, Yājñavalkya, and Droṇāchārya were engaged in scientific discovery, while sages like Vyāsa, Kapila, Vasiṣṭha, and Gautama introduced new philosophical paradigms.
Today, both these groups have lost their former stature. Scientists of the past century contributed immensely to practical advancements—electricity, transportation, communication, and industrial machinery have transformed human life. Pumps, motors, steam engines, airplanes, and telecommunication have revolutionized society. Their contributions deserve gratitude from humanity.
However, modern scientists, like philosophers, have also lost their autonomy. They lack independent research facilities and are forced to work for the wealthy elite. Scientific innovation is now dictated by corporate interests, leading to confusion and moral decay.
- Film and media once held the potential to be powerful tools of knowledge and culture, but they have been misused.
- The printing press, a monumental achievement, is being squandered on trivial and exploitative content.
- Scientists today are engaged in the development of destructive weapons, with nearly 50,000 researchers devoted to military innovations.
These scientists are rewarded not only with wealth but also with prestige, a privilege not available elsewhere. As a result, their talents are diverted away from constructive innovations. Wealth and comfort appeal to all, including philosophers and scientists, leading them to serve financial masters instead of society.
Breaking Free from This Downward Spiral
This is a tragic downfall. But who will lead the way out?
Scientists should be inventing tools for self-reliance, such as machines for cottage industries that would:
- Create employment opportunities
- Alleviate poverty and financial hardship
- Increase domestic production and self-sufficiency
Examples include:
- Hand-operated mills, oil presses, spinning wheels, looms, blacksmithing tools, carpentry machines, and simple water pumps
- Locally manufactured paper production units in every village
- Solar-powered cookers and heaters to reduce energy costs
Despite the potential for enormous progress, such innovations are rare. The so-called cottage industries have become a mockery, burdened by inefficient planning and execution. The gap between inventors and manufacturers is immense, leaving consumers with poorly designed and ineffective products.
If cooperative models were efficiently implemented, raw materials would be sourced affordably, and markets would be developed for locally produced goods. If this were achieved, we would no longer be solely dependent on agriculture, and livestock farming would become highly profitable.
However, scientists and entrepreneurs are failing to deliver.
- Cottage industries are struggling.
- Brilliant minds are migrating abroad, serving foreign economies.
- Investors are uninterested in funding innovative local industries.
The same applies to philosophers and intellectuals. As time accelerates, problems become more complex, and the need for clear solutions grows. Society needs insightful literature that offers real answers, but this field, too, is in decline.
The Crisis of the Intellectual Class
Every day, millions of pages are printed, yet little of it serves the needs of the people. Books are being translated and rebranded, rather than original works being created. Independent thinkers, like Karl Marx, who spent 17 years writing a single book, are now nearly extinct.
This decline in philosophical and scientific leadership is alarming. The loss of intellectual integrity and moral compass among thinkers is as dangerous as the emergence of a “Brahmarākṣasa” (demon-intellectual) in ancient times. Today, we may not have given them a new name, but their presence is unmistakable.
How to Reverse This Decline
Criticism and analysis are not enough—action is needed.
- I will ensure that scientists stop using their intelligence to create weapons.
- Both factions (philosophers and scientists) are currently obsessed with defeating their enemies, but after my subtle intervention (sūkṣmīkaraṇa), this will cease.
- Brilliant minds will be redirected towards constructive innovation—particularly cottage industries and sustainable technology.
- A new generation of independent writers and thinkers will emerge, free from financial dependency on the wealthy.
A revolution in scientific research and literature is imminent. This new class of intellectuals will not seek validation or wealth—they will write, think, and invent solely for the progress of humanity.
I firmly believe that:
- High-quality literature can be published and distributed at minimal cost.
- Authentic knowledge can reach every household, bypassing commercial publishers.
- Time will shape its own solutions, just as stars shine brightest in the darkest night.
Both scientists and philosophers will transform. From their ranks, new visionaries will rise, capable of solving today’s pressing problems. My contribution to this transformation will be significant, though it will remain subtle and unseen by many.