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William Davies and James discuss how intellectuals differ from experts, technocrats, and thought leaders, examining whether they still have a meaningful role in public life. The conversation traces how thinkers like Weber and Gramsci understood intellectual autonomy and responsibility, then considers how Hayek's anti-intellectualism and algorithmic platforms have reshaped where politicians find ideas.
- Intellectuals occupy a distinct category separate from technocrats, academics, experts, polemicists, thought leaders, and gurus—each competing for attention in different ways.
- Hayek's anti-intellectualism has had lasting influence on how public discourse treats independent thinkers and ideas.
- Algorithmic video platforms and the modern attention marketplace present structural challenges to the kind of autonomous, independent thought intellectuals historically provided.
The world's largest four-day working week trial, run in the UK over six months in 2022, ended with 56 of the 61 participating companies keeping the shorter week and 18 making it permanent. Employees worked 80% of their hours for 100% of their pay in exchange for a promise to maintain 100% of their output.
- About 2,900 employees across 61 companies took part, from marketing agencies to a fish and chip shop.
- Company revenue rose 1.4% on average over the trial, and staff turnover fell by 57% compared with the same period a year earlier.
- 39% of employees said they were less stressed, and 71% reported reduced burnout.
- The trial was organised by 4 Day Week Global with researchers from Cambridge, Oxford and Boston College.