There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Humans have certain properties and characteristics which are intrinsic to them, just as every other organism does. That's human nature.
Interpretation
Human nature encompasses the inherent characteristics that define humanity, similar to the traits of other organisms.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky emphasizes that humans possess unique properties and characteristics that are fundamental to their existence. Just like every other living organism, these intrinsic qualities shape our behaviors, thoughts, and interactions, defining what it means to be human. Understanding human nature is crucial for comprehending ourselves and our place in the world.
In practice
In a discussion about our behavior patterns, I would quote Chomsky to emphasize the importance of understanding human nature.
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.
Saints cannot arise where there have been no warriors, nor philosophers where a prying beast does not remain hidden in the depths.
When a man wants to murder a tiger he calls it sport; when a tiger wants to murder him he calls it ferocity.
Many of us saw religion as harmless nonsense. Beliefs might lack all supporting evidence but, we thought, if people needed a crutch for consolation, where's the harm? September 11th changed all that.
I have to admit that the empty prestige and the stupid glory - yes, the horrible rush, the deadly sense of importance that war brings to life - are hard illusions to shake off. Look at me, a war correspondent.
There is no longer a single idea explaining everything, but an infinite number of essences giving a meaning to an infinite number of objects. The world comes to a stop, but also lights up.
A sannyasin is one who has no prejudices, who has not chosen any ideology to be his own, who is choicelessly aware of all that is. In this choicelessness you will be in the middle. The moment you choose, you choose some extreme. The moment you choose, you choose against something; otherwise there is no question of choice. Being in a choiceless awareness is another meaning of being in the middle.
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