There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
When Israelis in the occupied territories now claim that they have to defend themselves, they are defending themselves in the sense that any military occupier has to defend itself against the population they are crushing. You can't defend yourself when you're militarily occupying someone else's land. That's not defense. Call it what you like, it's not defense.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the justification of military defense in the context of occupation, arguing that true defense cannot occur while oppressing another population.
Noam Chomsky's quote emphasizes the moral and philosophical inconsistencies inherent in the notion of self-defense when one is occupying another's territory. He argues that the actions taken by an occupying force, which often involves violence against the local population, cannot be framed as defensive actions, as they fundamentally violate the rights of those who are being occupied. The quote challenges the justification of military responses under the guise of defense while pointing out the ethical implications of such an occupation.
Themes
OccupationDefenseMoralityPhilosophyJustificationViolence
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on international law and human rights, one might use this quote to illustrate the complexities of occupation.
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
And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin is pride that apes humility.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
Despots prefer the friendship of the dog, who, unjustly mistreated and debased, still loves and serves the man who wronged him.
Charles FourierRead
The only way we can be of use to God is to let Him take us through the crooks and crannies of our own characters.
Oswald ChambersRead
Worthless is the nation that does not gladly stake its all on its honor.
Friedrich SchillerRead
The faces of most American women over thirty are relief maps of petulant and bewildered unhappiness.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
Far too often, when we think we are frightened by mystery, the fact is that we are haunted by history.
Erwin McmanusRead