“It is always the task of the intellectual to “think otherwise.” This is not just a perverse idiosyncrasy. It is an absolutely essential feature of a society.”

An absolutely essential feature of a society if the society is to survive,yes.

Why should the intellectuals think for me? I can think for myself.

The intellectual generally has the higher education, broad experience, and the ability to view the interaction of the masses non-biased, versus the emotional passion of the limited common indivdual, without these traits.

It's always important for everyone to think otherwise.