“Theory is only realized in a people so far as it fulfils the needs of the people… Will theoretical needs be directly practical needs? It is not enough that thought should seek to realize itself; reality must strive toward thought” (Marx, Early Writings, pp. 52-4).
What does this mean? Practically speaking. For academics engaged in theoretical work. When we have no control over, or even impact on, “reality”, which is obliged to “strive toward thought”.