QuoteProject
Governments don't control people like they used to.
Noam Chomsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Governments have shifted from direct control to more subtle forms of influence over the populace.

In this quote, Noam Chomsky observes that the mechanisms through which governments exert power and authority have evolved. Rather than employing overt force or authoritarian measures, governments now often rely on more nuanced methods of control, including propaganda, surveillance, and manipulation of public perception. This shift suggests a transformation in the relationship between authorities and citizens, where consent and complicity have replaced outright domination.

Themes

GovernmentControlInfluenceAuthorityPower

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about modern governance at a political science seminar.

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

The death-knell of the republic had rung as soon as the active power became lodged in the hands of those who sought, not to do justice to all citizens, rich and poor alike, but to stand for one special class and for its interests as opposed to the interests of others.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Democracy belongs to those who exercise it.
Bill MoyersRead
On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does.
Will RogersRead
We the people tell the government what to do, it doesn't tell us.
Ronald ReaganRead
I will never apologize for the United States of America - I don't care what the facts are. Said after 'Vincennes' shot down an Iranian Airliner.
George H. W. BushRead
We have to build a political consensus and that requires people to give up a little bit of their own ... in order to create this common ground.
Hillary ClintonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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