Intellectuals are too sentimental for me.

The quote "Intellectuals are too sentimental for me," by Margaret Anderson, reflects a critique of the intellectual or academic approach to understanding the world. Anderson, a writer and publisher in the early 20th century, suggests that intellectuals, often characterized by their logical and analytical thinking, can become overly emotionally invested or sentimental in their ideas. In this context, she implies that their deep emotional attachment to abstract concepts may hinder true, pragmatic engagement with the world.

Anderson’s view reveals a tension between reason and emotion. She believed that the intellectual pursuit of knowledge could sometimes become too wrapped up in theoretical ideas and abstract discussions, leading to an excessive emotional attachment to their concepts. This sentimentality, according to Anderson, detracts from the clarity and objectivity needed to truly understand or address the challenges of life. For her, a more practical and grounded approach to thinking was necessary.

The origin of this quote can be seen in Anderson’s own experiences with the literary and artistic circles of her time, where she was heavily involved with figures of the avant-garde and modernist movements. She was known for publishing the influential magazine The Little Review, which featured writers such as James Joyce and Ezra Pound. Her statement may reflect her frustration with intellectuals who, in her view, became too mired in theoretical discussions and unable to connect with real-world issues in a meaningful way.

In this light, Anderson’s words speak to a broader philosophical perspective, where intellectualism can sometimes be seen as disconnected from everyday human experiences. Her statement challenges the idealization of intellectualism by highlighting how an overemphasis on emotion and sentiment can undermine the practical value of intellectual pursuits.