There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Growing up in the place I did I never was aware of any other option but to question everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning one's surroundings.
Noam Chomsky reflects on his upbringing, suggesting that it instilled in him a deep-seated inclination to question the status quo. This perspective highlights the necessity of curiosity and skepticism in understanding the world, advocating for an approach that values inquiry over acceptance.
Themes
QuestioningCuriosityCritical ThinkingAwarenessUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion about philosophy, this quote can highlight the importance of questioning established beliefs.
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
Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather.
John D. MacdonaldRead
In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Make use of time, let not advantage slip;_x000D_ _x000D_ Beauty within itself should not be wasted:_x000D_ _x000D_ Fair flowers that are not gather'd in their prime_x000D_ _x000D_ Rot and consume themselves in little time.
William ShakespeareRead
All things come round to him who will but wait.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become prey to the active. The conditions upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime, and the punishment of his guilt.
John Philpot CurranRead
If there were no tribulation, there would be no rest; if there were no winter, there would be no summer.
Saint John ChrysostomRead