There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
In America, the professor talks to the mechanic. They are in the same category.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of dialogue across different fields of expertise and the equal value of knowledge.
Noam Chomsky's quote highlights the significance of interdisciplinary communication and mutual respect between different professions. By indicating that a professor and a mechanic belong to the same category, Chomsky suggests that all forms of knowledge, whether academic or practical, hold equal value in society, thus encouraging the sharing of ideas and experiences among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on the value of different professions, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of diverse perspectives.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes βThe 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Similar quotes
One of the biggest ways to level the playing field is to give all young people the same context on what opportunities are out there. And that means touching on some of the questions that are a little taboo in society: How much money do you make? What are your stresses? What would you do differently if you could?
When I got [my] library card, that was when my life began.
Whenever I met anyone who knew anything, I would bore them stiff until they told me what they knew.
The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid.
To endure is the first thing that a child ought to learn, and that which he will have the most need to know.
Reading to our children and our grandchildren is something we can all try to do every day of the year. Not only does it give us pleasure but it leads them on a voyage of discovery and enrichment that only books can bring.