There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state...
Interpretation
What this quote means
Propaganda plays a crucial role in shaping opinions in a democracy, much like oppression is enforced in a totalitarian state.
Noam Chomsky's quote draws a parallel between the influence of propaganda in democratic societies and the use of violence in totalitarian regimes. He suggests that while democratic systems are founded on principles of freedom and choice, they are often manipulated through propaganda to control public perception, much like a bludgeon is used to enforce authority and suppress dissent in a dictatorship. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and awareness in a democratic society to discern the truth amidst manipulated narratives.
Themes
PropagandaDemocracyTotalitarianismInfluenceMediaControl
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might reference this quote to highlight the role of media influence.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes βThe '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
'Smart growth' destroys the environment. 'Dumb growth' destroys the environment. The only difference is that 'smart growth' does it with good taste. It's like booking passage on the Titanic. Whether you go first-class or steerage, the result is the same.
Albert Allen BartlettRead
No eleven-year-old has any real grasp of death. He doesn't have any real concept of other people--that they feel pain, even that they exist. And his own adult future isn't real to him, either. Makes it that much easier to throw away.
Lionel ShriverRead
there was no greater natural advantage in life than having an enemy overestimate your faults, unless it was to have a friend underestimate your virtues.
Mario PuzoRead
Every action done by nature is done in the shortest way.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
The world is made up for the most part of morons and natural tyrants, sure of themselves, strong in their own opinions, never doubting anything.
Clarence DarrowRead
I came to believe that my true identity goes beyond the outer roles I play. It transcends the ego. I came to understand that there is an Authentic 'I' within - an 'I Am,' or divine spark within the soul.
Sue Monk KiddRead