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As part of the "Summit Reads" marathon and in collaboration with the "Mubadiroon" project, King Khalid University organized a discussion session titled "Reading and Its Role in Shaping the Intellectual." The session, held at the Central Library in Al-Fara'a university campus, hosted the director of the Aseer Region History Center, Dr. Ali Al-Qutb, and was moderated by Ms. Shaden Al-Omari.
Dr. Al-Qutb started the session by discussing the concept of the intellectual and the ongoing debate about their definition and function in society. He clarified that an intellectual isn't just a well-read individual but an influential person who adopts informed stances and contributes to shaping public consciousness. He distinguished between those who merely accumulate information without impact and those who transform their knowledge into intellectual, ethical, and social positions that positively influence their community. He also noted that the age of social media has created new classifications, such as the "casual skimmer," alongside the reader and the intellectual.
The session also delved into the origins of the term "intellectual" in Arab culture. According to Dr. Al-Qutb, its introduction was linked to the influence of Western modernity, which brought new lifestyles and knowledge patterns to Arab societies. Despite this influence, the core of the concept remained rooted in the ability to impact collective consciousness and embody intellectual and ethical principles in the public sphere. He emphasized that an intellectual cannot be confined to a specific social class; they can be an academic, an employee, or a farmer as long as they possess the tools of knowledge that grant them influence within their community.
The discussion also compared the intellectual in the East and the West. Dr. Al-Qutb explained that the core role is the same—engaging with knowledge and effecting change in social awareness—though the interpretations of this role have been varied and controversial. He reviewed different intellectual perspectives that see the intellectual as a social conscience, a guardian of values, and a champion of justice, contrasting this with other views that describe them as a product of interwoven knowledge from philosophy, literature, history, and the humanities.
The conversation then shifted to the role of reading in shaping the intellectual. Dr. Al-Qutb stressed that reading is nourishment for the mind and soul, and an intellectual's personality is built not on a single book or field but on a diversity of knowledge spanning literature, history, philosophy, and social sciences. He also highlighted the importance of a gradual approach to reading, starting with accessible sources before delving into encyclopedic references, and provided examples of essential books and references in history, thought, and economics that can serve as a starting point for new readers.
The discussion also highlighted the difference between an academic and an intellectual. Dr. Al-Qutb explained that an academic is often confined to their specialized field, whereas an intellectual has a broader perspective and the ability to connect different fields, especially in the humanities. This gives them an added advantage in analyzing social and intellectual phenomena more comprehensively.
Dr. Al-Qutb also pointed out the role of role models in guiding generations toward a path of reading and knowledge, stating that the influence of a university professor or an intellectual in their circle can be sufficient to open wide doors for young people toward sources of thought and awareness. The importance of dialogue and discussion in maturing and refining ideas was also discussed, as ideas cannot grow in isolation but through interaction with others and the exchange of viewpoints.
He also emphasized that an intellectual cannot be completely neutral, as neutrality on major issues like justice or national security becomes a negative stance. The required stance is to side with values while maintaining intellectual tolerance and acceptance of others. It was stressed in this context that a true intellectual is one who balances an ethical position with an openness to difference.
The session also devoted time to the intellectual's relationship with time. Dr. Al-Qutb considered time to be the true capital in an intellectual's journey. He cited examples of scholars and thinkers who dedicated their lives to research and writing, such as Al-Tabari, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, and Abdel Wahab El-Messiri, to illustrate that the accumulation of knowledge over the years is what shapes an intellectual's cultural identity.
The session also addressed the impact of life experience and intellectual transformations on shaping an intellectual's personality. Dr. Al-Qutb indicated that minor shifts in stances are natural and reflect a sincere search for truth, whereas radical transformations from one extreme to another might be linked to psychological circumstances rather than a solid intellectual path. This highlights the importance of continuity and gradual development in building thought.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Qutb affirmed that reading, despite being an individual practice, is transformed by the intellectual into a collective civilizational act that contributes to shaping public conscience and enhancing social awareness. It was also stressed that a true intellectual is one who converts accumulated reading and knowledge into visions, ideas, and stances that serve society and support its cultural and intellectual presence.
It is worth noting that the "Summit Reads" reading marathon, organized by the University's Deanship of Electronic Services (represented by its Vice Deanship for Knowledge Resources), aims to make reading a daily and effective practice that contributes to the development of cultural and intellectual awareness among different age groups. The marathon targets two main categories of readers: ages 13 to 18, and ages 19 and older, allowing for broader and more inclusive participation.
The marathon offers participants a comprehensive knowledge experience that includes reading books in various fields such as literature, social sciences, economics, history, philosophy, medicine, and engineering, along with writing reviews and implementing practical initiatives inspired by the reading content. It also includes interactive activities and creative challenges, such as designing book covers and summaries, and concludes with encouraging prizes, reflecting the university's interest in supporting initiatives that contribute to building a reading and intellectual community in the Aseer region.
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