What is the role of the Mexican intelligentsia within society? How does it differ from the function of the intelligentsia within the United States and Europe; and which one is a better role?

The role of the Mexican intelligentsia within society is to advise and guide politicians and economists. That was a natural progression after the Revolution because many of the men in power could not read, write, or articulate their ideas. The intelligentsia then, was eagerly put to work to help construct the ideas of the new government. But the philosophers and poets were never put to any other use other than to help the government. Paz doubts therefore, whether they have remained as intelligentsia at all. By contrast, in the United States and Europe, the intelligentsia remains outside the government. The principal job of poets and philosophers is to critique the government and the people, and to act as their conscience. According to Paz, that function is closer to the proper role of the intelligentsia.