Noam Chomsky Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Noam Chomsky quotes, Noam Chomsky sayings, and Noam Chomsky proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

See, people with power understand exactly one thing: violence. Noam Chomsky
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
As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss. Noam Chomsky
As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss. Noam Chomsky
Democracy and freedom are more than just ideals, to be valued that may be essential for survival. Noam Chomsky
Corporations barely pay taxes. The corporate tax rate is already very low, but corporations have worked out an array of complicated techniques so they often don't have to pay taxes at all... The scale of sheer robbery by corporate power is enormous. Noam Chomsky
If we do not believe in freedom of speech for those we despise, we do not believe in it at all. Noam Chomsky
Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. Noam Chomsky
If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all. Noam Chomsky
The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum. Noam Chomsky
Unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so. Noam Chomsky
Debt is a trap, especially student debt, which is enormous, far larger than credit card debt. It's a trap for the rest of your life because the laws are designed so that you can't get out of it. If a business, say, gets in too much debt, it can declare bankruptcy, but individuals can almost never be relieved of student debt through bankruptcy. Noam Chomsky
On humanitarian intervention in general, I guess my view is not unlike the view that was attributed to Gandhi, accurately or not when he was supposedly asked what he thought about western civilization. He is supposed to have said that he thought it would be a good idea. Similarly, humanitarian intervention would be a good idea, in principle. Noam Chomsky
It's true that many say that they object to the idea of 'human nature,' but it's not clear what that is supposed to mean. Are we different from ants? Noam Chomsky
Hypocrites are those who apply to others the standards that they refuse to accept for themselves. Noam Chomsky
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
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
All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume. Noam Chomsky
There is massive propaganda for everyone to consume. Consumption is good for profits and consumption is good for the political establishment. Noam Chomsky