There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
If there was an observer on Mars, they would probably be amazed that we have survived this long.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the wonder of human survival and resilience from an external perspective.
Noam Chomsky's quote suggests that if an observer from Mars were to look at Earth, they would likely be astonished by humanity's ability to survive despite the numerous challenges and crises faced over time. This perspective invites reflection on the fragility of human existence and the achievements that have allowed us to endure and thrive in an often hostile environment.
In practice
In a speech on human innovation, one might reference this quote to emphasize human resilience.
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.
Send me out into another life lord because this one is growing faint I do not think it goes all the way
My thoughts are starts I can't fathom into constellations.
I will not call it my philosophy; for I did not make it. God and humanity made it; and it made me.
I was not sure I wanted to issue orders to life; I rather liked the Greek notion of allowing Chance to take a formative hand in my affairs.
The sense of tragedy - according to Aristotle - comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. ... [But] we accept irony through a device called metaphor. And through that we grow and become deeper human beings.
To define yourself is to limit yourself. Without labels you remain the infinite being.
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