There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
It's a near miracle that nuclear war has so far been avoided.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the precariousness of global peace in the face of nuclear weapons.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects the thin line humanity treads to avoid nuclear conflict. It underscores the fragility of peace, suggesting that despite the potential for devastating war, we have managed to maintain stability through careful diplomacy and skepticism of authority. This statement acts as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
In practice
In a discussion on international relations, this quote could emphasize the importance of diplomacy.
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.
I was brought up in a Jewish home, but I was brought up to be human - not fanatical, which is something that I don't appreciate at all. I learned to become a humanist and not to dwell on the differences between Jews and Christians.
I don't believe that the public knows what it wants; this is the conclusion that I have drawn from my career.
Landlords, like all other men, love to reap where they never sowed.
It is not hard to deceive ministers, relatives and friends. But it is impossible to deceive Christ.
If there is no other world and there is no fruit and ripening of actions well done or ill done, then here and now in this life I shall be free from hostility, affliction, and anxiety, and I shall live happily.
Religion is the organization of spirituality into something that became the hand maiden of conquerors. Nearly all religions were brought to people and imposed on people by conquerors, and used as the framework to control their minds.
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