There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The general population doesn't know what's happening, and it doesn't even know that it doesn't know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that most people are unaware of their ignorance regarding important issues.
Noam Chomsky highlights a critical aspect of human awareness by stating that the general population is largely oblivious to the complexities of the world around them. This lack of awareness extends beyond mere ignorance, as people may not even realize that they are uninformed. This quote calls into question the level of understanding and engagement that individuals have with societal and political issues.
Themes
AwarenessIgnoranceKnowledgeSocietyChomsky
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a presentation about media literacy to illustrate the importance of critical thinking.
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
Similar quotes
Beyond Good and Evil, Aphorism 153
Friedrich NietzscheRead
No iron can pierce the human heart as chillingly as a full stop placed at the right time.
Isaac BabelRead
The only reality is the one we have inside us. What makes most peopleβs lives so artificial and unworthy is that they falsely regard outside images as reality and they never allow their own inner world to speak.
Hermann HesseRead
In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Adam GrantRead
It has not yet become obvious to me that there's no real problem. I cannot define the real problem; therefore, I suspect there's no real problem, but I'm not sure there's no real problem.
Richard P. FeynmanRead
All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
J. R. R. TolkienRead