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 search for truth is a cooperative, unending endeavor. We can, and should, engage in it to the extent we can and encourage others to do so as well, seeking to free ourselves from constraints imposed by coercive institutions, dogma, irrationality, excessive conformity and lack of initiative and imagination, and numerous other obstacles.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of truth requires collaboration and continuous effort from all of us.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky emphasizes the importance of actively seeking truth as a collective journey. He suggests that overcoming limitations imposed by societal structures and conventions is essential for personal and communal growth, advocating for an openness to ideas and a departure from blind conformity, fostering creativity and initiative in the search for understanding.
Themes
TruthSearchCooperationFreedomSocietyChallenge
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on education reform, I used this quote to illustrate the need for collaborative efforts in seeking better solutions.
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.
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If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
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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.
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The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
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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.
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