This view of the traditional scholar-knight who studies and shows concern for the world and the nation has been criticized in recent times for promoting ideology that easily degenerates into nationalism. Yet no one can deny that contemporary intellectuals are judged by their participation in the public realm and their concern about public issues.
這種為天下、為家國而學、而憂的傳統士大夫胸懷，晚近雖有對其易流於民族主義的批判，但不可否認，「參與並關心公共事務」，已是當代評斷知識分子的判準。