There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
It is quite possible--overwhelmingly probable, one might guess--that we will always learn more about human life and personality from novels than from scientific psychology
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literature provides deeper insights into human nature than scientific approaches.
Chomsky suggests that the rich, narrative form of novels allows for a more profound understanding of human life and personality than the analytical methods used in scientific psychology. This perspective underscores the value of storytelling in exploring the complexities of the human experience, illustrating how fiction can resonate with emotional truths that data alone may overlook.
Themes
NovelsHuman NaturePsychologyLiteratureInsight
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club discussion about the impact of literature on our understanding of people.
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
One always pulls the trigger out of self-interest and quotes history to avoid responsibility or pangs of conscience.
Joseph BrodskyRead
It takes no effort to love. The state has its own innate joy. Questions answer themselves if you are aware enough. Life is safe; flowing with the current of being is the simplest way to live. Resistance never really succeeds. Controlling the flow of life is impossible.
Deepak ChopraRead
Ah, it's my longing for whom I might have been that distracts and torments me!
Fernando PessoaRead
A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull down. Some people have written the story of my life representing as truth what in fact derives from ignorance, error or envy; but they cannot shake the truth from its place, even if they attempt to make others believe it.
Haile SelassieRead
Tho' there be no such Thing as Chance in the World; our Ignorance of the real Ccause of any Event has the same Influence on the Understanding, and begets a like Species of Belief or Opinion.
David HumeRead
Excessive economic, social and cultural inequalities among peoples arouse tensions and conflicts, and are a danger to peace.
Pope Paul ViRead