What Kills Free Thought?
Free thought is the bedrock of democracy, intellectual progress, and societal evolution, yet it faces constant attacks from ideologies that rely on fear, misinformation, and authoritarian control. Historically, the eugenics movement in Nazi Germany serves as a stark reminder of how intellectualism can be manipulated and ultimately destroyed by totalitarian regimes. Today, a similar pattern is unfolding in different ways. While the rise of Trumpism in the U.S. has significantly corroded and diluted intellectual rigor in conservatism, the erosion of free thought is also apparent in academia. American universities, once bastions of diverse ideas, are increasingly succumbing to Academic Authoritarianism—where intellectual diversity is suppressed in favor of ideological conformity. This issue spans both the far left and the far right, exacerbated by the influence of political agendas and funding from authoritarian regimes. The consequence is the same: the suffocation of intellectual debate and the weakening of institutions that are meant to protect and foster free inquiry.
The Golden Age of German Intellectualism (1850–1900)
Germany in the mid to late 19th century was a beacon of intellectual brilliance. It was a time when the nation produced some of the most influential philosophers, scientists, psychologists, and literary figures in modern history. Between the mid-1880s and the early 1900s, Germany was home to towering figures like:
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) – Philosophy
Max Weber (1864–1920) – Sociology and Political Economy
Albert Einstein (1879–1955) – Physics (Theory of Relativity)
Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) – Psychoanalysis
Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) – Literature (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1946)
Georg Simmel (1858–1918) – Sociology
Emmy Noether (1882–1935) – Mathematics (Abstract Algebra and Theoretical Physics)
Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926) – Poetry and Literature
These intellectuals, among many others, profoundly shaped Western thought, contributing to fields ranging from philosophy and psychology to physics and political theory. Germany was a hub for intellectual debate and scientific innovation, making it a magnet for scholars and thinkers worldwide. However, this intellectual flourishing came to an abrupt halt with the rise of eugenics and the Nazi regime.
The Impact of Eugenics on German Intellectualism
Eugenics, fueled by pseudoscientific ideas about racial purity and biological superiority, became the backbone of Nazi ideology. By the 1930s, Germany had embraced eugenics fully, and the consequences for intellectual life were devastating. Once a center for critical thinking and philosophical exploration, Germany's intellectual output was reduced to a trickle as the Nazis purged the academic world of anyone who did not fit their vision of Aryan superiority. Many of the country’s brightest minds fled the country, while others were silenced, ostracized, or murdered.
The embrace of eugenics and the Nazi racial hygiene agenda had several key effects on German intellectual life:
Emigration of Intellectuals: Many of Germany’s greatest minds, including Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt, fled the country. The intellectual elite sought refuge in other nations, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, taking their ideas and academic contributions with them. The emigration of Jewish and anti-Nazi intellectuals left Germany intellectually barren.
Suppression of Free Thought: Under the Nazi regime, academic freedom ceased to exist. Scientific and philosophical inquiry had to align with the state’s ideology, or it was censored. The government co-opted science to support eugenic policies, such as forced sterilization and racial extermination, while intellectuals who challenged these ideas were silenced or persecuted.
Loss of Intellectual Diversity: The Nazi regime's narrow definition of "acceptable" thought stifled the intellectual diversity that had once flourished in Germany. Only ideas that reinforced the Nazi worldview were permitted, leading to a collapse in scientific progress and philosophical inquiry.
The result was a dramatic decline in the number of brilliant thinkers emerging from Germany. While the country had been a wellspring of intellectual thought in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Nazi embrace of eugenics reduced Germany’s intellectual output to a mere shadow of its former self. The intellectual vibrancy that once defined the nation was destroyed by a regime that valued conformity and pseudoscience over free thought and diversity of ideas.
Trumpism and the Death of Intellectualism in American Conservatism
Much like Germany's embrace of eugenics, Trumpism in the U.S. has led to the decline of intellectualism within the American conservative movement. Once a bastion of thought leaders, the conservative movement in the U.S. produced some of the most influential political thinkers and economists of the 20th century. Figures such as:
William F. Buckley Jr. – Conservative intellectual, founder of National Review
Milton Friedman – Economist, advocate of free-market policies (Nobel Prize in Economics, 1976)
Barry Goldwater – Politician, author of The Conscience of a Conservative
Irving Kristol – Political theorist, co-founder of neoconservatism
Russell Kirk – Conservative historian and author of The Conservative Mind
These thinkers engaged in complex debates on topics such as individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and foreign policy. They elevated the conservative movement by grounding it in intellectual rigor, open debate, and a commitment to democratic values. However, Trumpism has dramatically shifted the conservative movement away from these intellectual roots into conspiracy theories, mass cognitive dissonance, and all the traits of a cult.
Academic Authoritarianism in American Universities
Just as eugenics destroyed intellectual diversity in Nazi Germany, American universities today face a similar threat in the form of Academic Authoritarianism—the suppression of free thought through ideological conformity, censorship, and external influence. Both the far left and the far right contribute to this authoritarian atmosphere, as political ideologies on either side demand adherence to certain narratives and seek to control academic discourse.
The Role of Political Influence
Many American universities receive funding from politically motivated sources, including wealthy donors, corporations, and even foreign governments. Some oppressive regimes, such as those in China or Saudi Arabia, have been known to funnel money into American universities, often with the goal of influencing the curriculum, silencing criticism of their governments, or promoting their own political agendas. This financial dependency compromises the intellectual independence of academic institutions and shapes the research, teachings, and public positions of universities.
Far-Left Influence: The far left in American academia has been accused of stifling conservative thought through "cancel culture" and politically correct speech codes. Some faculty and students feel pressure to conform to certain left-wing ideologies on issues like race, gender, and economics, fearing social or professional repercussions if they challenge the prevailing narrative.
Far-Right Influence: Meanwhile, the far right has exerted its own influence by funding think tanks and private universities designed to promote conservative ideologies, particularly in areas like economics, history, and political science. This kind of influence is often masked as academic freedom but can limit intellectual diversity by prioritizing market-driven ideologies and suppressing critiques of capitalism, climate change, and economic inequality.
Many universities, both in the U.S. and abroad, have faced increasing criticism for fostering environments that are subtly or overtly anti-Semitic. This often manifests through biased academic curricula, exclusion of Jewish perspectives, and the normalization of anti-Israel rhetoric that crosses the line into anti-Semitism. While some of this is driven by homegrown ideological movements, a significant factor in the rise of anti-Semitism on campuses is the influence of funding from oppressive regimes that are hostile to Israel and Jewish communities. Countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, known for their anti-Israel policies, have donated substantial sums to academic institutions, shaping curricula and research agendas in ways that align with their political objectives. This financial influence can create a climate where Jewish students and faculty feel marginalized or unwelcome, and where criticism of Israel often veers into blatant anti-Semitism rather than constructive political debate. As a result, universities—places that should be champions of intellectual diversity and free thought—are sometimes complicit in promoting biased, exclusionary, and hostile environments for Jewish communities. This trend undermines the very foundations of open academic inquiry and tolerance.
“Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”
- William O. Douglas
Intellectual Conformity and Self-Censorship
The twin threats of Trumpism and Academic Authoritarianism create an environment where intellectual conformity stifles free and open inquiry. Both movements, though originating from different political extremes, discourage critical thinking and promote ideological homogeneity—undermining the intellectual foundations of American society, particularly in higher education and political discourse.
In universities, students and faculty alike are increasingly pressured to self-censor. Surveys reveal that many students fear expressing unpopular opinions on politically charged topics, worried about social ostracism or academic penalties. Similarly, faculty members express concern that challenging dominant ideologies within their institutions could lead to career setbacks.
At the same time, Trumpism and its populist offshoots encourage a rejection of intellectualism altogether, promoting simplistic narratives over nuanced debate and fostering a culture of anti-intellectualism. Both extremes contribute to a climate where free thought and intellectual diversity are casualties, eroding the very institutions—whether academic or democratic—that are supposed to nurture critical thinking and debate. As ideological conformity spreads, the spaces for genuine intellectual exchange shrink, leaving little room for voices outside the prevailing orthodoxy.
“It is very nearly impossible to become an educated person in a country so distrustful of the independent mind.”
― James Baldwin
The Common Factors of Anti-Intellectualism
Eugenics in Nazi Germany, Trumpism in the U.S., and Academic Authoritarianism in American universities all share several commonalities in their assault on intellectualism and free thought:
Reject Intellectual Diversity: Eugenics demanded conformity to a racist, pseudoscientific worldview, while Trumpism demands loyalty to its leader and populist agenda. Similarly, academic authoritarianism limits the range of acceptable discourse, whether through left-wing ideological conformity or right-wing funding and influence.
Distort or Reject Science: Both eugenics and Trumpism manipulate or reject science to serve their ideological ends. Eugenics twisted evolutionary theory to justify genocide, while Trumpism promotes conspiracy theories that deny scientific realities like climate change. In universities, the influence of external political forces can distort scientific research, especially when that research conflicts with powerful economic or political interests.
Scapegoat Vulnerable Groups: Eugenics targeted minorities and people with disabilities, labeling them "unfit" for society. Trumpism similarly scapegoats immigrants, people of color, and political elites, while Academic Authoritarianism, in some cases, suppresses voices that challenge dominant political narratives, be they on the left or right.
Undermine Democratic Values: Eugenics fueled a totalitarian regime that sought to control every aspect of life. Trumpism threatens democratic norms by eroding trust in institutions, free elections, and scientific discourse. Similarly, Academic Authoritarianism in universities erodes democratic principles by limiting the scope of intellectual freedom and promoting ideological conformity.
What You Can Do
The suppression of intellectualism and free thought, whether through eugenics in Nazi Germany, Trumpism in the American conservative movement, or Academic Authoritarianism in American universities, reveals how fragile critical thinking can be in the face of powerful ideologies. However, protecting free thought isn’t only a task for governments, universities, or large institutions—it starts with individuals. By taking deliberate action in our own lives, with our families, and within our circles of influence, we can create an environment where free thought thrives. Here are five ways to safeguard intellectual diversity and critical thinking:
Cultivate Curiosity and Critical Thinking:
For yourself: Foster a mindset of curiosity and skepticism. Question the information you consume and look for credible sources across a range of viewpoints. Don’t take any single perspective as truth—explore multiple angles and challenge your assumptions.
For your family: Encourage discussions that ask "why" and "how" rather than focusing on surface-level facts. For children especially, teaching critical thinking skills early will help them navigate a world of misinformation and ideologically driven narratives.
In your community: Promote open-minded conversations within your circle of friends, coworkers, and social networks. Be an advocate for civil dialogue and intellectual curiosity, encouraging others to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives.
Encourage Intellectual Independence:
For yourself: Resist the temptation to follow ideological trends without question. Stay intellectually independent by exposing yourself to different viewpoints, even those that challenge your beliefs. This strengthens your ability to think for yourself rather than being swept along by political or social pressures.
For your family: Teach your family the value of thinking independently. Help them understand the importance of standing up for their ideas, even when they are unpopular, and equip them to form well-reasoned opinions rather than simply adopting the beliefs of others.
In your community: Be a role model for intellectual independence by speaking up in group discussions and challenging groupthink. Encourage others to express their thoughts without fear of judgment, even if those ideas go against the dominant narrative.
Promote Free Speech and Open Dialogue:
For yourself: Embrace open dialogue and be willing to engage in conversations with people who hold different opinions. Understand that free speech includes the right to disagree and debate. Practice active listening and respectful communication.
For your family: Create an environment at home where differing opinions are welcomed and respected. Teach your children the importance of listening to others’ viewpoints and the value of debating ideas without hostility.
In your community: Encourage open forums for discussion in your community, workplace, or social group. Advocate for policies that promote free speech and intellectual diversity in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Challenge Ideological Conformity:
For yourself: Stay alert to signs of ideological conformity in your own thinking. Regularly examine your beliefs and ask yourself if they are the result of independent thought or societal pressure. Be willing to change your mind when presented with new evidence.
For your family: Teach your family the importance of resisting ideological pressure, whether from the media, political groups, or social circles. Help them recognize when conformity is being imposed and empower them to hold onto their intellectual autonomy.
In your community: Speak out when you see ideological conformity in your community, workplace, or social circles. Support others who express diverse opinions and challenge environments where only one viewpoint is tolerated.
Foster Lifelong Learning and Curiosity:
For yourself: Commit to lifelong learning by constantly seeking new knowledge and exploring new subjects. Whether through books, podcasts, courses, or discussions, always be curious and hungry for new information.
For your family: Encourage your family members to embrace learning as an ongoing journey. Introduce them to different cultures, historical perspectives, and new technologies, keeping curiosity alive at every stage of life.
In your community: Lead by example in your community by sharing interesting insights, recommending books, and creating opportunities for others to engage in learning. Whether through community events, study groups, or casual conversations, foster a culture of continuous learning and intellectual engagement.
A Final Thought
Protecting free thought is not just about resisting external forces like eugenics, populism, or authoritarianism. It is about cultivating an environment—both within yourself and around you—where critical thinking, intellectual diversity, and curiosity can flourish. Each of us has a role to play in nurturing a culture that values reason, debate, and independent thought. By taking deliberate actions in our lives, families, and communities, we can ensure that free thought remains vibrant and protected for generations to come. To preserve free thought, it is crucial to defend the principles of intellectual diversity, scientific integrity, and open debate. Without these, democracy and society are left vulnerable to the forces of authoritarianism, misinformation, and fear.
Brilliant! I’m so disappointed that we even need to drive these points home in the US, land of the free. Fighters against fascism. A land of immigrants, innovation and intellectualism. Yet, here we are.