Agents Quote by Noam Chomsky
![“Of course, we [ with Edward Herman] have a purpose: namely, to encourage readers to undertake what might be called "a course in intellectual self-defense," and to suggest ways to proceed; in other words, to help people undermine the dedicated efforts to "manufacture consent" and to turn them into…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fb3/noam-chomsky-42_agents_of-course-we-with-edward-herman-have-a-p_2562158.jpg)
“Of course, we [ with Edward Herman] have a purpose: namely, to encourage readers to undertake what might be called "a course in intellectual self-defense," and to suggest ways to proceed; in other words, to help people undermine the dedicated efforts to "manufacture consent" and to turn them into passive objects rather than agents who control their own fate.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Media Critique, 1990
The aim is to empower readers to develop critical thinking skills to resist manipulation and become active agents of their destiny.
In simple terms: Teach critical thinking to avoid manipulation.
Key Takeaway
Develop intellectual self‑defense.
Themes
critical thinking
media literacy
agency
Mood
serious
determined
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- journalism
- activism
- policy making
Key Concepts
political theory
media studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take to practice intellectual self‑defense?
- How can you encourage others to think critically?
A Different Perspective
Complex issues may require nuanced solutions beyond simple resistance.
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![“I wrote an article about the marine landing [in Haiti] right away, but barely mentioned the oil, because my article would come out two months later and I assumed by then, "of course, everybody knows." Nobody knew. There was a news report in the Wall Street Journal, in the petroleum journals, and…” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dc5/noam-chomsky-42_articles_i-wrote-an-article-about-the-marine-land_13341.jpg)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
