There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
There's a good reason why nobody studies history, it just teaches you too much.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Studying history reveals uncomfortable truths that can be challenging to confront.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects the notion that history often uncovers difficult lessons about human behavior, societal patterns, and the consequences of our actions. It suggests that many people may avoid engaging with historical studies because they are reluctant to face the complexities and harsh realities that history reveals, which can provoke critical thinking and reflection on our current situation and future choices.
Themes
HistoryWisdomTruthLearningSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of historical education, you could use this quote to highlight why some people avoid such studies.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes →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
Every year I tell myself that I’m not going to read any reviews and then I do. We’re all human and when I read something negative it hurts. I think when you write it’s part of the game, you’re going to get some good reviews and some bad reviews and that’s how it goes. I don’t write for the reviews.
Jodi PicoultRead
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
John SteinbeckRead
I know not anything more pleasant, or more instructive, than to compare experience with expectation, or to register from time to time the difference between idea and reality. It is by this kind of observation that we grow daily less liable to be disappointed.
Samuel JohnsonRead
A man ceases to be a beginner in any given science and becomes a master in that science when he has learned that... he is going to be a beginner all his life.
Robin G. CollingwoodRead
My love of dynamic complications often led me to avoid simplicity when perhaps it was the wisest choice.
Garry KasparovRead
Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.
Khalil GibranRead