There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Everyone engaged in research must have had the experience of working with feverish and prolonged intensity to write a paper which no one else will read or to solve a problem which no one else thinks important and which will bring no conceivable reward - which may only confirm a general opinion that the researcher is wasting his time on irrelevancies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the often solitary and unappreciated nature of research work.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects on the dedication researchers have towards their work, often pouring immense effort into projects that may seem unimportant to others. It emphasizes the underlying challenges faced in academia, where one can feel isolated in their pursuits, and the lack of recognition or reward can lead to doubts about the value of their research.
Themes
ResearchDedicationEffortRecognitionIntensity
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation on the challenges of academic research, this quote can be used to illustrate the passion behind scholarly work.
More from Noam Chomsky
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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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