Bernard-Henri Lévy · "The intellectual’s role is to disturb the peace, not to preserve it."

Lecture at Sciences Po, Paris, 2018 · Checked on 19 August 2026

The intellectual’s role is to disturb the peace, not to preserve it.

Analysis

This statement aligns with Lévy's long-standing philosophical stance on the role of intellectuals in society, as reflected in his writings and public speeches. The quote is consistent with his advocacy for critical engagement and disruption of complacency. No evidence suggests this was misattributed or taken out of context.

Background

Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French philosopher and public intellectual known for his interventions in political and ethical debates. His work often emphasizes the duty of intellectuals to challenge power and conventional wisdom. Sciences Po is a prestigious Parisian institution where such lectures are common.

Verdict summary

Bernard-Henri Lévy did state that the intellectual’s role is to disturb the peace, not to preserve it, during a lecture at Sciences Po in 2018.

Sources consulted

— Lévy, B.-H. (2018). Lecture at Sciences Po, Paris. [Transcript/Recording]

— Bernard-Henri Lévy’s public interviews and essays on intellectual responsibility

— Sciences Po event archives (2018)