Able Quote by Noam Chomsky
“We have to be irrational and vindictive, because that's going to frighten people. And we have to maintain this for years. And then we'll be able to carry out the actions that we want to carry out.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Lecture, 2018, University Forum
Manipulative irrationality can be used strategically to intimidate and control populations over time.
In simple terms: Irrational tactics can manipulate people.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind fear‑based rhetoric.
Themes
politics
power
manipulation
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- media messaging
- public policy
Key Concepts
propaganda
psychological warfare
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of fear tactics?
- How can societies resist them?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can erode trust and democratic norms.
![“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)
