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About this quote

What does it mean?
Intellectuals should not let anyone speak for them.
In plain terms
Speak for yourself.
What can you take from it?
Maintain personal voice.

Where it applies

  • academic publishing
  • public commentary

Putting it to work

  • write your own essays
  • avoid ghostwriters

Questions to consider

  • When do you need a spokesperson?
  • How does representation affect credibility?

Another view

Sometimes representation is necessary for impact.

More from Theodor Adorno

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  3. 'A German is someone who cannot tell a lie without believing it himself.'

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