The effect of that is to poison the flow of information to the President himself and to create a situation where a President can be almost, to use a metaphor, psychotically divorced from the realities in which he is acting.
We were young, we were foolish, we were arrogant, but we were right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Youth can bring a sense of certainty that may be perceived as foolishness, yet sometimes youthfulness can lead to being right despite arrogance.
This quote reflects on the duality of youth, emphasizing that while young people may often act with arrogance and naivety, they can still possess a profound clarity or insight into certain situations. It suggests that the confidence often associated with youth can lead to truths that are overlooked by more experienced individuals, highlighting the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, regardless of age.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one might use this quote to encourage graduates to trust their instincts as they embark on their journeys.
More from Daniel Ellsberg
All quotes βThere should be at least one leak like the Pentagon Papers every year.
I felt that as an American citizen, as a responsible citizen, I could no longer cooperate in concealing this information from the American public. I did this clearly at my own jeopardy and I am prepared to answer to all the consequences of this decision.
I see Edward Snowden as someone who has chosen, at best, exile from the country he loves-with a serious risk of his assassination by agents of his government or life in prison (in solitary confinement)-to awaken us to the danger of our loss of democracy to a total-surveilla nce state
EVERY attack now made on WikiLeaks and Julian Assange was made against me and the release of the Pentagon Papers at the time.
If there's another 9/11 or a major war in the Middle-East involving a U.S. attack on Iran, I have no doubt that there will be, the day after or within days an equivalent of a Reichstag fire decree that will involve massive detentions in this country.
Similar quotes
It's hard not to empathize with the mayor's anger, given the injustices he'd suffered, but righteous anger rarely leads to wise policy.
What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!' Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity.
Come, live with the doors of the senses guarded, diligent and mindful, vigilant and mindful, with the ways of the mind well watched, possessed of a mind that is awake and observing.
The only true retirement is that of the heart; the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they have lived, with graceful resignation.
Whenever a man's friends begin to compliment him about looking young, he may be sure that they think he is growing old.
I had given up some youth for knowledge, but my gain was more valuable than the loss.