Hidden Intelectualism Response

In his paper on the intellectualism of sports communities, Gerald Graff discusses his childhood fascination with sports. He goes on to assert, that although he did not fully understand it at the time,  he now recognizes that it was his own  attempts at developing intellectualism, in an environment that looked down upon "smart" people. He argues that the subject is largely irrelevant to the concept of intellectualism, and that what is more important is the method. The discussion of abstract ideas, the points and counterpoints, the developing of ideas, this is what separates the smart from the not so smart. I personally agree with Graff, after having read about the Roman Forums/Baths, we can see the same concepts present here. Famous for being places for discussion from anything to gossip, to politics, economics and other important topics, the forums are a hallmark of Roman Civilization. Throughout many cultures, this trend continues, from the castle halls of the middle ages, to the Internet of the information age, the ability for humans to gather and discuss topics irregardless of topic is crucial to intellectual development.