There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're in favour of any policy - reform, revolution, stability, regression, whatever - if you're at least minimally moral, it's because you think it's somehow good for people. And good for people means conforming to their fundamental nature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of morality in supporting any societal policy as it should align with the inherent nature of humanity.
Noam Chomsky asserts that regardless of the type of policy one supports—be it reform or regression—there is a moral basis that underpins that support. Each individual or group advocates for a policy because they believe it aligns with what is fundamentally good for humanity, suggesting that true moral action stems from an understanding of human nature and its inherent needs.
Themes
MoralityPolicyHuman NatureGoodPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on social reforms, one might use this quote to emphasize the underlying moral responsibility of policy makers.
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If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
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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.
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The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
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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.
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Thus let me live, unseen, unknown, Thus unlamented let me die, Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie.
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