Quotation by

Noam Chomsky

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.

Advertisement

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Noam Chomsky argues that harsh systems are only acceptable if there is a real lack of resources or culture that needs addressing. However, these systems can actually cause or worsen those shortages and even put humanity at risk during certain historical periods.

More by this author

All quotes by Noam Chomsky →

More quotes about History

See all →
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act an…
A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.

Advertisement

The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.