In many respects, the United States is a great country. Freedom of speech is protected more than in any other country. It is also a very free society. Noam Chomsky on great
The Bible is one of the most genocidal books in history. Noam Chomsky on history
The principle that human nature, in its psychological aspects, is nothing more than a product of history and given social relations removes all barriers to coercion and manipulation by the powerful. Noam Chomsky on history
The only justification for repressive institutions is material and cultural deficit. But such institutions, at certain stages of history, perpetuate and produce such a deficit, and even threaten human survival. Noam Chomsky on history
Censorship is never over for those who have experienced it. It is a brand on the imagination that affects the individual who has suffered it, forever. Noam Chomsky on imagination
The principle that human nature, in its psychological aspects, is nothing more than a product of history and given social relations removes all barriers to coercion and manipulation by the powerful. Noam Chomsky on nature
Humans have certain properties and characteristics which are intrinsic to them, just as every other organism does. That's human nature. Noam Chomsky on nature
Resistance is feasible even for those who are not heroes by nature, and it is an obligation, I believe, for those who fear the consequences and detest the reality of the attempt to impose American hegemony. Noam Chomsky on nature
If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all. Noam Chomsky on politics
The internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society. Noam Chomsky on positive
The intellectual tradition is one of servility to power, and if I didn't betray it I'd be ashamed of myself. Noam Chomsky on power
The public is not to see where power lies, how it shapes policy, and for what ends. Rather, people are to hate and fear one another. Noam Chomsky on power
I am opposed to the accumulation of executive power anywhere. Noam Chomsky on power
Concentration of executive power, unless it's very temporary and for specific circumstances, let's say fighting world war two, it's an assault on democracy. Noam Chomsky on power
The 'anti-globalisation movement' is the most significant proponent of globalisation - but in the interests of people, not concentrations of state-private power. Noam Chomsky on power
As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss. Noam Chomsky on science
The internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society. Noam Chomsky on society
In many respects, the United States is a great country. Freedom of speech is protected more than in any other country. It is also a very free society. Noam Chomsky on society
In the literal sense, there has been no relevant evolution since the trek from Africa. But there has been substantial progress towards higher standards of rights, justice and freedom - along with all too many illustrations of how remote is the goal of a decent society. Noam Chomsky on society
If you are working 50 hours a week in a factory, you don't have time to read 10 newspapers a day and go back to declassified government archives. But such people may have far-reaching insights into the way the world works. Noam Chomsky on time