Only a lunatic fringe on the far Left is still calling for revolution, a smashing of the social order, but it must be acknowledged how widespread that idea was in the 1960s. Most leftists do believe that, without them, the naive proletariat would wallow for ever in ignorance and slavery. Unless they are volunteering hands-on service in blighted neighbourhoods, however, most leftists are far removed from working-class life. Many are wordsmiths - journalists or academics who run in packs. Leftism has become wordplay - a refuge for bourgeois intellectuals guilty about their comfort and privilege.

Camille Paglia, comentando a decadência do discurso de esquerda.