In the same way that we need statesmen to spare us the abjection of exercising power, we need scholars to spare us the abjection of learning.

Jean Baudrillard’s quote reflects his critique of power and learning, suggesting that both require a certain level of detachment or objectivity to prevent individuals from being consumed by their roles. When Baudrillard says that we need statesmen to spare us the abjection of exercising power, he refers to the idea that leaders should bear the burden of decision-making and governance, freeing the public from the negative aspects of wielding power. Similarly, when it comes to learning, Baudrillard argues that scholars should guide us through the intellectual process without letting us become overwhelmed by the discomfort or struggles inherent in the pursuit of knowledge. In both cases, the quote speaks to the need for guidance and distance from the more challenging aspects of power and learning.

The origin of the quote can be traced to Baudrillard’s broader philosophical views on society, power, and knowledge. As a French sociologist and philosopher, Baudrillard often explored how power structures shape human behavior and how intellectual and social systems can be both liberating and oppressive. In this context, his statement critiques the alienating effects of both political power and academic learning, suggesting that these forces can often dehumanize individuals if they are not approached with a sense of detachment or reflection.

Baudrillard's use of the word "abjection" refers to the humiliation or degradation that can accompany these processes. For him, learning and power can both be difficult, if not damaging, when not properly mediated. By entrusting statesmen with the responsibility of managing power and scholars with the task of managing knowledge, Baudrillard implies that we need to find ways to navigate these realms that do not lead to personal disillusionment or intellectual despair.

Ultimately, Baudrillard’s quote suggests that both the exercise of power and the pursuit of knowledge are necessary, but they require careful management to avoid their more degrading effects. His call for statesmen and scholars to act as buffers against the worst parts of these processes is a critique of society’s tendency to overlook the emotional and psychological toll that comes with such responsibilities.