I still do not understand how a corporation can have person-hood if it has no soul and never dies.
Jon StewartRead
Wait a minute! Wait a minute! I figured this out. I know what's wrong with what we've done in Iraq. We've been following time as it goes forward. What a classic mistake. Linear time is so pre-9-11.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques traditional linear thinking and suggests a need for a more profound understanding of time and perspective in decision-making.
Jon Stewart's quote reflects a critical perspective on how decisions regarding Iraq were made based on a conventional view of time, suggesting that a more nuanced understanding of time, especially in the context of events like 9/11, is necessary for deeper insights and better decision-making. He implies that traditional approaches can be inadequate in addressing the complexities of modern issues and calls for innovative thinking that transcends temporal limitations.
Themes
TimePerspectiveDecision-MakingIraqLinear ThinkingComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
In a political discussion about foreign policy, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding the historical context in decision-making.
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All quotes βPresident Bush announced his new economic plan. The centerpiece was a proposed repeal of the dividend tax on stocks, a boon that could be worth millions of dollars to average Americans. Well, average stock-owning Americans. Technically, Americans who own a significant amount of shares in dividend-dealing companies. Well, rich people, that's what I'm trying to say. They're going to do really well with this.
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You just have to keep trying to do good work, and hope that it leads to more good work. I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything. Yes, I want to look back and know that I was terrible at a variety of things.
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If you don't stick to your values when they're being tested, they're not values: they're hobbies.
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Thomas Jefferson once said: 'Of course the people don't want war. But the people can be brought to the bidding of their leader. All you have to do is tell them they're being attacked and denounce the pacifists for somehow a lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.' I think that was Jefferson. Oh wait. That was Hermann Goering. Shoot." [Hosting the Peabody Awards for broadcasting excellence at the New York Waldorf-Astoria, June 6, 2006]
Jon StewartRead
A guy comes down to earth, takes your sins, dies, and comes back three days later. You believe in him and go to heaven forever. How do you get from that to Hide-The-Eggs? Did Jesus have a problem with eggs? Did he go, "When I come back, if I see any eggs, the whole salvation thing is off."
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