Meaning: The quote by Harold Bloom is a call to action for those who claim to want to alleviate the sufferings of the exploited classes. It challenges individuals who profess concern for the marginalized and oppressed to move beyond mere rhetoric and actually engage in meaningful, tangible efforts to effect change. Bloom urges them to shift from the confines of theoretical discourse in academic settings to the real world, where they can actively participate in political, economic, and humanitarian initiatives aimed at addressing social injustices.

Harold Bloom, an American literary critic and professor, is known for his thought-provoking perspectives on literature and society. In this quote, he emphasizes the importance of aligning one's words with actions when it comes to advocating for the rights and well-being of the exploited classes. Bloom's call to "abandon the academy" can be interpreted as a challenge to move beyond intellectual discussions and into the realm of practical engagement with the issues at hand.

The first part of the quote, "If they wish to alleviate the sufferings of the exploited classes, let them live up to their pretensions," suggests that there are individuals or groups who claim to be concerned about the plight of the exploited classes but may not be actively working towards alleviating their suffering. Bloom challenges such individuals to uphold their professed intentions by taking concrete steps to address the systemic issues that perpetuate exploitation and suffering.

The second part of the quote, "let them abandon the academy and go out there and work politically and economically and in a humanitarian spirit," underscores the need for direct engagement in the realms of politics, economics, and humanitarian efforts. Bloom implies that meaningful change requires active involvement in the practical aspects of addressing social inequalities, rather than remaining within the confines of academic or theoretical debates.

The call to "work politically" suggests that individuals should engage with political systems and institutions to advocate for policies and reforms that can address the root causes of exploitation and suffering. This may involve participating in advocacy, lobbying, or even running for political office to effect changes in laws and governance that can benefit the exploited classes.

Furthermore, the call to "work economically" highlights the significance of addressing economic disparities and injustices that contribute to the suffering of marginalized communities. This could involve initiatives such as supporting fair labor practices, promoting economic empowerment programs, or advocating for equitable distribution of resources.

Lastly, the call to "work in a humanitarian spirit" emphasizes the need for empathy, compassion, and direct action to alleviate the immediate suffering of the exploited classes. This could involve volunteering with humanitarian organizations, providing direct assistance to those in need, or advocating for the protection of human rights on a global scale.

In conclusion, Harold Bloom's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning words with actions in the pursuit of social justice. It challenges individuals to move beyond theoretical discussions and academic pursuits and to actively engage in political, economic, and humanitarian efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the exploited classes. This call to action encourages a holistic approach to addressing social inequalities and emphasizes the need for tangible, real-world involvement in effecting meaningful change.