How do you define "intellectual" ?

My withheld opinion is rather simple, although I hope not disappointingly so. In my mind, an intellectual bears two qualities that I feel are inalienable to the concept of intellectuality (a concept which is often abused as a negative label and through overuse). First, the "intellectual" person is someone who bears an insatiable desire for knowledge; they are constantly thinking in new and creative ways and thus constantly expanding their minds. Second, and I know quite a few disagree with this, I believe the intellectual must be smart. I suspect that this prerequisite is often ruled out as consolation to aspirant (wannabe) intellectuals, but it is certainly necessary. Ultimately, it is impossible to fulfill the first requirement without some high degree of intelligence. Expanding on what I said, I would certainly agree with your assertion that the intellectual does his/her very best to remain objective; indeed, equanimity does seem to be the prevailing disposition among those whom I know. However, we must be careful not to characterize intellectuals as cold... emotionless. Hope that wasn't too convoluted.