What "skills" Do Intellectuals Need?

[ex_banana-eater]

If one aspires to become an Objectivist intellectual, what skills are likely necessary to spread their ideas? (Apart from excellent knowledge of philosophy and culture in general)

I am starting a list. If you can think of anything else, please reply.

--Oratory skills for lectures

--Effective essay and book writing ability

--The ability to debate orally

--Clear communication in general (?)

Edited January 1, 2006 by ex_banana-eater

[EC]

How about simply living a productive life while firmly and consistently applying the Objectivist principles one has accepted. In other words, show don't tell.

[ex_banana-eater]

Sorry for being vague, let me clarify my terms:

What I mean by "intellectual" is shown in "FTNI" pb. 27. The term I should have used is "The professional intellectual." In my case, my goal is to be a bioethicist.

I agree, integrity is extremely important. I feel it would be dishonest not to have integrity to your ideas if you were a professional intellectual, so I excluded that item from my list thinking it wasn't necessary to point out.

[softwareNerd]

--Oratory skills for lectures

--Effective essay and book writing ability

--The ability to debate orally

--Clear communication in general (?)

Those are all forms of communication. So, sticking with the communication theme, I'd add (as further as sub-topics):

... the ability to recognise and succinctly refute common

... the ability to "think on his feet", say in a TV interview

... the knowledge of the writings of popular contemporary opponents