Leader: Jeanine Matthews
Physical Traits: Most members wear glasses, no matter how perfect their vision is. Each member must wear at least one piece of blue clothing.
Rapport: Rivals with the Abnegation Faction.
Traits: Chat about books and newspapers; in constant pursuit of knowledge. Curiosity- it drives them to seek knowledge.
Formation: Erudite was formed by those who blamed human ignorance for the faults of society. They formed Erudite as a way of eliminating ignorance and darkness from human minds.
Members: Caleb Prior, Cara, Fernando (Deceased) and Jeanine Matthews (Deceased)
Former Members: Edward (transferred to Dauntless), Eric (transferred to Dauntless), Tori Wu (transferred to Dauntless), George Wu (transferred to Dauntless), Will (transferred to Dauntless), Andrew Prior (transferred to Abnegation), Myra (transferred to Dauntless), Evelyn Eaton (transferred to Abnegation), Marcus Eaton (transferred to Abnegation) and Therese (factionless)
Manifesto
WE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AS TRUTH:
- "Ignorance" is defined not as stupidity but as a lack of knowledge.
- Lack of knowledge inevitably leads to lack of understanding.
- Lack of understanding leads to a disconnect among people with differences.
- Disconnection among people with differences leads to conflict.
- Knowledge is the only logical solution to the problem of conflict.
SOCIOLOGY
- So that the individual understands how society at large functions.
- So that the individual understands how a person functions within that society.
- So that the individual is prepared for future study in science, engineering, medicine, and technology.
- So that the individual better understands how the world operates.
- So that the individual's study in other areas is supplemented.
- So that as many individuals as possible are prepared to enter the fields devoted to innovation and progress.
- So that the individual knows how to speak and write clearly and effectively.
- So that the individual understands the mistakes and successes that have led us to this point.
- So that the individual learns to emulate those successes and avoid those mistakes.
Those who, after rigorous studying, do not meet a minimum intelligence requirement will be exiled from the faction so they can be made useful. This is not an act of elitism but rather one of practicality: Those who are not intelligent enough to engage in the roles assigned to us-roles that require a considerable mental capacity-are better suited to menial work than to faction work. Menial work is required for the survival of society, and is therefore just as important as faction work.
Information must always be made available to all faction members at all times. The withholding of information is punishable by reprimand, imprisonment, and, eventually, exile. Every question that can be answered must be answered or at least engaged. Illogical thought processes must be challenged when they arise. Wrong answers must be corrected. Correct answers must be affirmed. If an answer to a question is unclear, it must be put to debate. All debates require evidence. Any controversial thought or idea must be supplemented by evidence in order to reduce the potential for conflict.
Intelligence must be used for the benefit, and not to the detriment, of society. Those who use intelligence for their own personal gain or to the detriment of others have not properly borne the responsibility of their gift, and are not welcome in our faction.
It bears repeating: Intelligence is a gift, not a right. It must not be wielded not as a weapon but as a tool for the betterment of others.