QuoteProject
The former colonies, in Latin America in particular, have a better chance than ever before to overcome centuries of subjugation, violence and foreign intervention, which they have so far survived as dependencies with islands of luxury in a sea of misery.
Noam Chomsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the potential for former colonies, particularly in Latin America, to transcend their historical struggles and achieve independence.

Noam Chomsky expresses optimism about the former colonies, especially in Latin America, suggesting that they now have a unique opportunity to break free from the historical patterns of oppression, violence, and foreign control. This statement reflects a belief in the possibility of transformation and progress after enduring long periods of suffering and dependency, highlighting the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty in these regions.

Themes

ColoniesOppressionLatin AmericaTransformationHope

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on social justice, one could reference Chomsky’s quote to inspire action against inequality.

More from Noam Chomsky

There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The '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

There is no force so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
Everett DirksenRead
You all know the saying which is very true: What you resist persists. And I'm sure many of you have already found that out in your life. And then suddenly when you let go of resistance you let go of an attachment to something: I need this to happen in order to be happy; I don't want what is, I want something else. To be okay with what is, which is the simplicity of this moment, is the beginning of true change.
Eckhart TolleRead
In a few hundred years, when the history of our time will be written from a long-term perspective, it is likely that the most important event historians will see is not technology, not the Internet, not e-commerce. It is an unprecedented change in the human condition. For the first time - literally - substantial and rapidly growing numbers of people have choices. For the first time, they will have to manage themselves. And society is totally unprepared for it.
Peter DruckerRead
Change is not made without inconvenience.
Samuel JohnsonRead
If a huge number of people call for change, the government will have to react. If you want to avoid uprisings, or demonstrations, you need to respond to the people's desperate need for change.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead
'Movement is life;' and it is well to be able to forget the past, and kill the present by continual change.
Jules VerneRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.