I may be a hypocrite but what I have to say may be worth considering.

In fact, accurate analysis of current society is generally written by those that benefit from the status quo. How could it not be?

It’s a twist on the old “ad hominin” attack.  Essentially, it is obscuring the validity of the message, by accusing the messenger of hypocrisy.  David Brooks writes in his 6/7 column in the New York Times, that elites, those richly supported by the present status quo, attack that social order with their teaching and writing.  I believe that has more or less always been the case.  Critical analysis of society comes mainly from those with the time, position, money and status to produce critical analysis of society.  They are more often than not, almost always actually, those who benefit from the political and economic arrangements that they criticize. 

Those accused of hypocrisy can be either right or wrong about what they say and promote.  Their critique can be useful to society even when they themselves, their positions, life-styles and personal choices are in part the target of their criticism.  “Give all to the poor, and follow me,” is advice rarely taken.  And if one did it might simply reduce one’s ability to put out a message. 

Yes, this is not demeaning an Albert Schweitzer, or Mother Teresa. or Saint Francis.  But consider that this is somewhat a matter of degree.  Many on the progressive left do have good jobs but they have forsworn better more highly paying jobs to be able to research, consider and promote their opinions about current society. 

This, by the way, is not a defense of progressive thought, as expressed by those Brooks suggests are hypocrites.  That is, whether it is wrong or right, useful truth or blatant harm, is not the point. 

I’m just asking whether or not we should be taken in by so much fine writing on the part of Brooks, a true master of the pen. 

And I suppose I am also suggesting that his attack on the sources of much important, well evidenced analysis of the present moment, does not help us solve serious current problems.