Public Intellectuals

America's public intellectuals who have influenced culture and society. Thinkers, writers, and scholars whose ideas and works have sparked important discussions.

Carl Sagan, popularizer of science and astrophysicist

Although Carl Sagan passed away in 1996, his impact in the fields of science and popular culture is still being felt today. His legacy is one of unparalleled scientific curiosity, intellectual rigor, and the capacity to make even the most difficult topics interesting and approachable. Capturing the imagination of a whole generation, Sagan boosted America's respect for science, humanized the universe, and motivated countless people to aim high.

Modern linguistics owes a great deal to Noam Chomsky

As the "Father of Modern Linguistics," Noam Chomsky exemplifies the fruition of independent thought and the value of education. His impact in linguistics, politics, and beyond exemplifies the power of a single intellect to change how we see the world. Chomsky's career as a researcher and an advocate for social change shows how intellectual vigor and a dedication to the common good can transform a country and the world.

Among the most significant cultural anthropologists was Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead's innovative viewpoints reshaped our knowledge of human cultures, and she continues to be an influential person in the field of cultural anthropology. Her ability to mainstream anthropology and her insistence on the significance of culture in creating individuals were genuinely revolutionary. Thus, Mead's impact goes well beyond the academy, permeating the very institutions and worldviews that continue to shape America and the rest of the world.