A public intellectual steps down Published January 7, 2021 What is a public intellectual and who stepped down? One definition of the word from Collins Dictionary is “an intellectual, often a noted specialist in a particular field, who has become well known to the general public for a willingness to comment on current affairs.” I think of a public intellectual as a smart someone who is an expert in an important field, such as history, economics, science, and health and who has earned the trust of the public. On the national scene, think of people like Jon Meacham, a writer of best-selling books about the presidency and American history. When he puts his history lessons to work explaining modern day political challenges, people listen. Similarly, North Carolina’s presidential historian William Leuchtenburg, who will celebrate his 100th birthday next year, is still writing and commenting on current issues.