Indoctrination Quote by Noam Chomsky
““See, one of the serious illusions we live under in the United States, which is a major part of the whole system of indoctrination, is the idea that the government is the power―and the government's not the power, the government is one segment of power. Real power is in the hands of the people who own the society; the state-managers are usually just servants.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on media and power, 1990s
The quote argues that true power resides with private owners and citizens, not the government, which is merely an administrative segment of broader societal power.
In simple terms: Power belongs to people and owners, not the state.
Key Takeaway
Recognize where real influence lies.
Themes
politics
power
media
democracy
economics
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
commentary
When to use this quote
- voting
- activism
- consumer choices
- union organizing
- public discourse
Key Concepts
elitism
state theory
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- Who holds the most influence over your daily life?
- How can citizens counterbalance elite power?
A Different Perspective
The government can still shape policy and public opinion despite being a segment of power.
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