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 probability of apocalypse soon cannot be realistically estimated, but it is surely too high for any sane person to contemplate with equanimity.
Interpretation
The likelihood of an impending apocalypse is uncertain, yet it is alarming enough to cause concern among rational individuals.
Noam Chomsky emphasizes the unpredictability of catastrophic events, suggesting that while we cannot quantify the exact chance of an apocalypse, the mere thought of it is disturbing for anyone who maintains a rational perspective. This quote underlines the existential anxiety that many people feel regarding future uncertainties, advocating for a mindful approach to contemplating such dire possibilities.
In practice
Use this quote in a discussion about climate change and its potential catastrophic effects.
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.
No," said a voice, "the only thing wrong on a night like that is that there is a world and you must come back to it.
For women... bras, panties, bathing suits, and other stereotypical gear are visual reminders of a commercial, idealized feminine image that our real and diverse female bodies can't possibly fit. Without these visual references, each individual woman's body demands to be accepted on its own terms. We stop being comparatives. We begin to be unique.
To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love.
Of her own experience she had no memory of the thing happening; but in her instinct, which was the experience of all mothers of wolves, there lurked a memory of fathers that had eaten their new-born and helpless progeny.
Mere negation, mere Epicurean infidelity, as Lord Bacon most justly observes, has never disturbed the peace of the world. It furnishes no motive for action; it inspires no enthusiasm; it has no missionaries, no crusades, no martyrs.
Actually, it's the other way round. In a poor country, the only consolation people can have is the one that comes from their beliefs.
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