There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
On abortion: We are talking about ambiguous issues of a complicated kind where you have to balance conflicting interests and concerns.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of the abortion debate, highlighting the need to consider various conflicting perspectives.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects the intricate and contentious nature of the abortion issue, indicating that it is not a straightforward topic but rather involves a spectrum of conflicting interests and ethical concerns. It underscores the importance of engaging in thoughtful discussion and consideration of the various implications before reaching any conclusions.
In practice
This quote could be used in a panel discussion on women's rights to highlight the complexities involved.
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.
There were many words that you could not stand to hear and finally only the names of places had dignity. Abstract words such as glory, honor, courage, or hallow were obscene.
Liberalism is a religion. Its tenets cannot be proved, its capacity for waste and destruction demonstrated. But it affords a feeling of spiritual rectitude at little or no cost.
The opinion of the world does not affect me. I have placed as the real values in my life what follows when I am dead.
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.
An independent state does not pay too dear a price for its independence in accepting the sufferings of war when it cannot avoid them; a state which has lost its independence may find at least some compensation in the fact that its protector procures for it peace with its neighbours.
We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned, Tβlan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the wold. It must be given freely. In abundance.
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