Bernard-Henri Levy on the political engagement of intellectuals

In an interview with Claude Asklovitch, the French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy considers the rallying cry in favour of Nicolas Sarkozy, right-wing French presidential candidate, pronounced in Le Monde by the philosopher André Glucksmann, normally considered a left-wing intellectual. "I don't understand him. Sarko is neither a fascist, nor a bastard. This is something that the left will debate when it has nothing to say. However, for me, the political engagement of intellectuals in an electoral campaign assumes three principles: First of all, we are not blind-followers, we are not sheep ... . Secondly, one becomes engaged by default, for lack of a better option, with circumspection: I can't imagine Sartre consecrating a candidate with the fervour of those who are joining Sarkozy camp today. And then there is timing : intellectuals are buccaneers, gangsters, people who lay down conditions, exercise maximum pressure, who should say ye or nay as late as possible, having obtained maximum booty: strong gestures and commitment to what counts most."

» full article (external link, French)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » France
All available articles from » Bernard-Henri Levy, » Claude Askolovitch

» To the complete press review of Thursday, February 15, 2007