Aggression Quote by Noam Chomsky
“Whenever there is injustice, oppression, aggression, violence, it's standard for it to be supported by those we now call "intellectuals," but typically not by all; there is typically a fringe of dissidents. With very rare exceptions - in fact, it's hard to think of any - they suffer in one or another way; how depends on the nature of the society.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Media Control, 1989
Chomsky observes that intellectuals often support oppressive systems, while only a small fringe opposes them, facing various repercussions.
In simple terms: Intellectuals tend to back power; few dissent.
Key Takeaway
Question the role of elites in sustaining injustice.
Themes
justice
intellectuals
power
dissent
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic circles
- policy debates
- activist movements
- media coverage
Key Concepts
critical theory
media bias
political sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates intellectual support for oppression?
- How can dissent be amplified?
A Different Perspective
Not all intellectuals are complicit; many resist quietly.
![“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)
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
