There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Free speech has been used by the Supreme Court to give immense power to the wealthiest members of our society.
Interpretation
The quote critiques how free speech is often exploited by the wealthy to amplify their influence and control.
Noam Chomsky's quote highlights the paradox of free speech in the context of power dynamics, suggesting that while free speech is a fundamental right, it disproportionately benefits those with significant financial resources, allowing them to dominate public discourse and shape societal norms in their favor. This raises critical questions about equality and the true function of free speech in a democratic society.
In practice
In a debate about campaign finance reform, this quote can highlight how free speech influences political power.
There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
The '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.
There are some dead who are more alive than the living.
If you don't know how to die, don't worry; Nature will tell you what to do on the spot, fully and adequately. She will do this job perfectly for you; don't bother your head about it.
Etymologically, 'patient' means sufferer.
The fear of infinity is a form of myopia that destroys the possibility of seeing the actual infinite, even though it in its highest form has created and sustains us, and in its secondary transfinite forms occurs all around us and even inhabits our minds.
Just think: in all the clean, beautiful reaches of the solar system, our planet alone is a blot; our planet alone has death.
To introduce something altogether new would mean to begin all over, to become ignorant again, and to run the old, old risk of failing to learn.
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