What is the theme in Intellectuals by Paul Johnson?

Another theme in the book is the characteristics of intellectuals. The second dominant theme of the book are the characteristics of intellectuals. Even though the group Johnson considers came from different backgrounds, they had certain common characteristics. First of all, each believed that they could bring about change in society based on their own intellect. They believed that they and their opinions should be listened to. This is a trait that Johnson calls egotism. Some of them felt superior to others and used people, like Victor Gollancz. Most had loose morals with numerous marriages and affairs. Several of them rejected their own parents and children. Only a few of them had strong family lives.