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 we choose, we can live in a world of comforting illusion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We have the option to live in denial or face harsh truths.
Noam Chomsky's quote suggests that individuals have the ability to opt for a distorted perception of reality rather than confronting the uncomfortable truths of the world. This highlights the human tendency to prefer comforting beliefs over challenging realities, which can lead to a disconnect from actual circumstances and hinder personal growth.
Themes
IllusionRealityTruthPerceptionComfort
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about society's tendency to ignore problems, one might say, 'As Noam Chomsky once said, we can live in a world of comforting illusion.'
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
The essence of a person is not the clothing she wears or the things he does. People who love them do not stop loving them when they change clothing or do other things. Your essence is not even your history, culture, race, or what you think and do. It is your soul.
Gary ZukavRead
People who think you could wave a magic wand and the legacy of the past will be over are blind.
Ruth Bader GinsburgRead
Apart from Jesus Christ, we do not know what is our life, nor our death, nor God, nor ourselves.
Blaise PascalRead
I wasted time, and now doth time waste me; For now hath time made me his numbering clock: My thoughts are minutes; and with sighs they jar Their watches on unto mine eyes, the outward watch, Whereto my finger, like a dial's point, Is pointing still, in cleansing them from tears. Now sir, the sound that tells what hour it is Are clamorous goans, which strike upon my heart, Which is the bell: so sighs and tears and groans Show minutes, times, and hours.
William ShakespeareRead
The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.
Edmund BurkeRead
Rather than turning away from the staggering scale and depth of misery caused by war, we must strive to develop our capacity to empathize and feel the sufferings of others.
Daisaku IkedaRead