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 times are too difficult and the crisis too severe to indulge in schadenfreude. Looking at it in perspective, the fact that there would be a financial crisis was perfectly predictable: its general nature, if not its magnitude. Markets are always inefficient.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should not take pleasure in the misfortunes of others, especially during difficult times.
Noam Chomsky's quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a compassionate perspective during crises, suggesting that while financial downturns may be predictable, we should refrain from reveling in others' suffering. It encourages us to recognize the shared human experience and the inefficiencies within markets rather than indulging in schadenfreude, which is harmful and can lead to further societal division.
Themes
SchadenfreudeCrisisCompassionMarketsInefficiency
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about economic challenges, one might say, 'As Noam Chomsky reminds us, we must avoid schadenfreude during these trying times.'
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.
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
If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.
Oswald ChambersRead
Death, the real simile for disease - for when we are ill, do we not always feel like we are dying, even if it's only a little? - remains, despite our secularism, the most metaphoricised phenomenon of all.
Will SelfRead
Great grief does not of itself put an end to itself.
Seneca The YoungerRead
I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.
Rainer Maria RilkeRead
For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men, Legolas shall be for the Elves; and Gimli son of Gloin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the Mountains, and maybe beyond. For Men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Within my body are all the sacred places of the world, and the most profound pilgrimage I can ever make is within my own body.
SarahaRead