The basic idea which runs right through modern history and modern liberalism is that the public has got to be marginalized. The general public are viewed as no more than ignorant and meddlesome outsiders, a bewildered herd.
—Noam Chomsky
The people who were honored in the Bible were the false prophets. It was the ones we call the prophets who were jailed and driven into the desert, and so on.
—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
Topics: Freedom
In this possibly terminal phase of human existence, democracy and freedom are more than just ideals to be valued – they may be essential to survival.
—Noam Chomsky
Topics: Freedom
We shouldn’t be looking for heroes, we should be looking for good ideas.
—Noam Chomsky
Topics: Ideas, Heroes
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Hilary Putnam American Philosopher
Daniel C. Dennett American Philosopher, Atheist
Murray Bookchin American Political Thinker
Jacques Derrida French Philosopher, Literary Theorist
Dwight Macdonald American Film Critic
Richard Rorty American Philosopher
Gloria Steinem American Feminist
Abbie Hoffman American Political Activist
Cynthia Ozick American Novelist, Essayist
Steven Pinker Canadian Psychologist