In this piece, the author contemplates the changing connotations of the word 'intelligence', suggesting that it has taken on a negative hue in modern discourse, akin to betrayal. The article emphasizes how language evolves, with some words thriving while others deteriorate in public perception. For instance, the author notes that the internet, once a tool of exploration and connection, is now often viewed as a menacing entity that impacts our children and civic consciousness.

The text draws attention to historical meanings of words, specifically tracing 'intelligence' back to its Latin roots, implying a duality of choice or selection. The author critiques the current societal context where intelligence seems to be associated more with treachery than with wisdom or enlightenment. This shift is framed within a narrative of loss and disillusionment, exploring how language and its meanings can reflect broader societal sentiments.

Overall, the article serves as a poignant reminder of how words carry weight and history, and how their meanings can drastically shift depending on cultural attitudes and events. The author urges a reconsideration of the value placed on 'intelligence', calling for a reclamation of its original, more positive connotations amidst a backdrop of cynicism and suspicion.