There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Changes and progress very rarely are gifts from above. They come out of struggles from below.
Interpretation
True progress requires effort and struggle rather than being handed to us.
Noam Chomsky highlights the idea that meaningful changes and advancements in society rarely occur spontaneously or effortlessly; instead, they emerge from the hard work and determination of those who face challenges. This quote emphasizes that progress is often the result of collective struggle and perseverance, rather than being bestowed upon us as a gift from external forces.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage individuals facing difficulties.
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 hope we can all agree that, instead of continuing to subsidize yesterday's energy sources. We need to invest in tomorrow's.
My hope is that the corona crisis will help bring us into a new age of cooperation and solidarity and a realization that we're in this together.
Coming back to your native land after an absence of many years is a surprisingly unsettling business, a little like waking from a long coma. Time, you discover, has wrought changes that leave you feeling mildly foolish and out of touch.
Making a big life change is pretty scary. But know what's even scarier? Regret.
Let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man; for she must grow more perfect when emancipated.
We generally change ourselves for one of two reasons: inspiration or desperation.
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