There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Humans have certain properties and characteristics which are intrinsic to them, just as every other organism does. That's human nature.
Interpretation
Human nature encompasses the inherent characteristics that define humanity, similar to the traits of other organisms.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky emphasizes that humans possess unique properties and characteristics that are fundamental to their existence. Just like every other living organism, these intrinsic qualities shape our behaviors, thoughts, and interactions, defining what it means to be human. Understanding human nature is crucial for comprehending ourselves and our place in the world.
In practice
In a discussion about our behavior patterns, I would quote Chomsky to emphasize the importance of understanding human nature.
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.
The universe takes us as seriously as we take it.
I don't want other people to decide who I am. I want to decide that for myself.
There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.
That which lives on reason lives against the spirit.
Lamentations comfort only by lacerating the heart still more. Such grief does not desire consolation. It feeds on the sense of its hopelessness. Lamentations spring only from the constant craving to re-open the wound.
There is nothing alive more agonized than man / of all that breathe and crawl across the earth.
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