There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
...if you ask me whether or not I'm an atheist, I wouldn't even answer. I would first want an explanation of what it is that I'm supposed not to believe in, and I've never seen an explanation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Chomsky emphasizes the importance of understanding beliefs before categorizing oneself as a believer or non-believer.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky expresses a critical perspective on the concepts of belief and atheism. He suggests that before one can identify as an atheist, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what that means, indicating that the definition of belief and the object of disbelief should be thoroughly examined. Without a solid explanation of what one is expected to disbelieve, labeling oneself as an atheist is premature and lacks depth.
Themes
BeliefAtheismUnderstandingPhilosophySkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the nature of belief systems, this quote could prompt deeper questions about atheism.
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
The world has never yet seen a truly great and virtuous nation because in the degradation of woman the very fountains of life are poisoned at their source.
Lucretia MottRead
This idea of the transcendent power of the Supreme Being is essentially connected with that by which the whole duty of man is summed up: obedience to His will.
John Quincy AdamsRead
If God is treated as God during suffering, then suffering can reveal and present him in all his greatness.
Timothy KellerRead
How we put our collective talents to work is a social issue, not solely a personal one.
Clay ShirkyRead
Aphrodite-Venus had become not a subject of adoration, but an agent of exploitation. From the moment Christian society perceived sex not as a gift of the goddess but a crime against God himself, women were believed to be the vessels of love's malign power.
Bettany HughesRead
Panic is the sudden realization that everything around you is alive.
William S. BurroughsRead