Noam Chomsky at HLS

On Nov. 20, Noam Chomsky, Laureate Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona and Institute Professor Emeritus at MIT, spoke to first-year students at Harvard Law School about prospects for a better tomorrow. In a conversation moderated by HLS student Michael Lehavi, Chomsky touched on topics ranging from linguistics to activism to climate change.

[@vnoriega90]

Chomsky has literally been going on a lecture tour, being asked the same questions and giving the same exact answers. He is desperate to get his message out before his time in hopes that enough of us will face these challenges and be the change we want to see if the world. Everyone do you part ❤️

[@idonotconsent6483]

These are literally the same problems man has always faced. Satan is real! Communism his religion! Shills gonna shill til they die!

[@Chucklehead617]

@@idonotconsent6483 what a foolishly uninformed statement

[@idonotconsent6483]

@@Chucklehead617 is it? Thanks for the solid examples and expose’ of my statement of opinion. Glad to know my opinions and historical facts dont apply. 💁‍♀️

[@bobthebuilder9339]

@@idonotconsent6483 yes

[@lionzgrrr3119]

@@idonotconsent6483 You Trumpers are so easy to spot.

[@susanhopper6356]

I started listening to Dr. Chomsky back in the 60's. Still the same thought provoking guy.

[@Platos-Den]

Are you an idol worshiper? Because I see cracks in his reasoning. He says the states is a disaster in how they handled covid 19. Have you looked at official real numbers of this PLANDEMIC. Lots of info out there. You just have to read it. Look at the latest figures. Why isnt he discussing this topic? Hmmmmm. He has gotten on the "Orange man bad" wagon.

[@foxxie1702]

@@Platos-Den I really hope you're not a real doctor, especially if you're dumb enough to believe Trump's pandemic response was anything close to decent.

[@Deathskull0001]

@@foxxie1702 he's a troll. They're just a reality nowadays. Some are paid actors, sowing division, some are simply people on the fringes of society who do this shit to fill up some void in their life, confused, unknowing and trying to find meaning for themselves. Just ignore them. Any attention you give them energises them for more and only serves to anger you, it's pointless.

[@destruction1928]

Are you in your 80's?

[@jamianmateja5574]

@@Deathskull0001 Well-put.

[@ovaisamin4155]

Omg. Even at this age, he speaks so eloquently. No wonder he's the greatest intellectual alive.

[@IsraeliXdude]

He is a demagogue, scientists are Intellectuals.

[@SkyRiver1]

If the phase "greatest intellectual alive" is anything other than a promotional phrase, it is almost certain that the greatest intellectual is unknown to you, me, and the public at large. The sample of earths population that is of celebrity status is minute compared to the number of profoundly intellectual persons, and how one acquires such a appellation is dubious at best. But I understand your enthusiasm: I also believe that Noam speaks for me.

[@ovaisamin4155]

@@IsraeliXdude I really don't think you know the definition of a demagogue pretty well. If you don't think Chomsky speaks with rationale, you lack gray matter, my friend.

[@ovaisamin4155]

@@SkyRiver1 I understand what you're saying. It's an immutable truth that many of the intellectuals live covertly. But we, as humans, tend to consider the overt aspects more so than the covert ones. As for Chomsky, he stands for everything good, exposing those who are subverting the will of common people. When so many powerful people are against you, the politicians, the corporators, the media, and yet you the achieve the level of prominence as Chomsky, it means something.

[@SkyRiver1]

@@ovaisamin4155 I totally agree with you. However I maintain my proposal. It is not that many intellectuals live covertly, it is that most of them simply do not participate in mass media affairs, or teach, or have a venue to reach a mass audience. Yet the work of many of them makes it possible for real physical improvements in the general human condition. Take the minds behind the recent breakthroughs in AI which may make it possible to make a quantum leap in the entire field of immunology, more profound than the advent of antibiotics. Yet I do not know one of their names and I am sure that not many people do.

[@colibri1]

Hearing Chomsky say here that the Reagan administration was a turning point, a criminal turning point, reminded me that in a collection of his interviews called "Language and Politics," published originally in 1989 (rereleased in 2004) with Carlos Otero, Chomsky really lays out the transformative crimes of the Reagan administration, very different than anything you'd hear about Reagan today. A minor point he makes in the book is that the Reaganites changed the popular meaning of conservative to mean someone who seeks violent confrontation and deliberately runs up huge deficits in pursuit of luxury consumption. I highly recommend the book.

[@Homunculas]

Well, Clinton turned that around in the 90's.....didn't he?

[@cdeignan47]

Excellent post. I recently submitted an article to the Guardian pointing in part to the inherent, sunny, evil of Reagan. Reagan didn't end the Cold War as much as Gorbachev did, a man who was subsequently consigned to the dustbin of human history. Reagan said no to ending nuclear weapons for a reason. The military industrial complex told him not to and he knew who his bosses were. All that crap about wanting to keep Star Wars was a smokescreen. We (not the U.S. Government) installed the drunkard Yeltsin and then moved in to sell off Russian assets to the highest bidders. Those who held the hands of the Russian oligarchs were the corporations and the bankers. Reagan begat Bush and Bush begat Trump. It's not a big shock, simply the march of hypercapitalist madness, plunging the planet further and further down the rabbit hole of destruction.

[@mtn1793]

@@Homunculas Neo-liberalism is a bipartisan crime... Our free market electoral bribery system guarantees that.

[@serious1only123]

@@cdeignan47 Reagan invented Star Wars, Willis

[@mbea1367]

@Danny B What he didn't mention was the instruction to blame poor people for the losses of the working and middle class. What did Reagon call them? Welfare queens, they were suppose to be the root of the problem.

[@nicatmmmdli8152]

I am from Azerbaijan.And i think Noam Chomsky is treasure of the world.

[@lindalinda-ie3hw]

❤

[@nicatmmmdli8152]

@SandyBell #itshallpass Karabakh is Azerbaijan!.Armenia is terrorist country.

[@nicatmmmdli8152]

@SandyBell #itshallpass The Khojaly massacre, also known as the Khojaly tragedy, was the mass murder of at least 200 and possibly as high as 613 ethnic Azerbaijani civilians by Armenian armed forces and 366th CIS regiment in the town of Khojaly on 26 February 1992.

[@OnePercentBetter]

92 and going strong.

[@rollwiththetroll7497]

He's nuts, and completely illogical but sure.... He's "going strong" .

[@anthonyoer4778]

True, Marxism is still a deadly virus.

[@Rareplymouth]

He's nucking futz.

[@by1310]

what a shame He's a PoS

[@chanbour6130]

I am ashamed for him

[@newearthhumanangel8930]

Thank you 🙏🏼 so very much for dedicating your time for this talk. I’m glad to see the Professor doing what he does best and thankful for the opportunity to listen. My grandmother is 100 years old ... hang in there Professor u r on your way sir.

[@hamzahelanbary4369]

Much love to you our great professor. I will not forget what you provided us with in linguistics.

[@nilsaacosta3326]

This Gentleman Mr. Chomsky never stop surprising me when I listen to him

[@normanbraslow7902]

nilsa acosta, his mental acuity has degenerated markedly, and he is more foolish and than ever before. And he was pretty ridiculous before.

[@Deathskull0001]

The legend!

[@rohitpwilliams3033]

He gives his all to the best ideals of history , for this, our and future generations will we thankful.

[@GAinJAXONVILLE]

Truth is hard to swallow for the masses.

[@denisvicentainer9383]

Professor, you're are a star that guides us in the darkness. Thank you so much.

[@lulalivre8599]

Trump is INDEPENDENT!not a criminal !He is the only one that DID NOT sign the WHO criminal agreement (B Gates the first FINANCIER)Agenda 2030 & Trump did NOT agree with THE GREAT RESET from Mr nazi Schwab -Soros -Gates -Rockefellers crime family!ALL OF THEM CONNECTED WITH DNC!

[@pengdu4244]

@Graf von Losinj Chomsky ignores all those catastrophes caused by bankrupted socialist experiments, like the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution in China. He should be sent to a socialist countries to see how he will be deprived of freedom of speech, private property, and self-esteem as a human.

[@Ladybegonia]

@Graf von Losinj Mr. Graf von Losinj the day you will achieve just 10% of his brilliance (and only then) and his success you will be allowed to come back here and comment whatever nonsense your brain drops...😈 Until then you should learn and internalise the meaning of the word “respect”...

[@denisvicentainer9383]

Sorry, Mr. @Graf von Losinj . I'd love to hear your thoughts for an hour or more.

[@wilsonhodge71]

​@@Ladybegonia What an ungraceful response, as well as convenient way of not addressing the point.

[@margaretengman8893]

I love prof Chomsky. Happy Birthday !!! !!! .. hope you will live forever!!

[@DandinXY]

Some people: Christmas won't happen this year due to Covid. There will be no Santa. Chomsky: *this video*

[@wunpawngmangshang1688]

Prof. Chomsky is truly a legend. He is not just a linguistic expert but is update-to-date with global affairs. I had a privilege to meet him at his office at MIT in 2014. When I introduced myself as Kachin, he expressed sorry how Kachin people are suffering at the hands of own government - Burmese. I was so impressed!

[@jugganaut26]

"Nobody cares if you feel good." Spitting the truth right here.

[@mailsumit37]

Attending class of great Prof like Noam Chomsky,only possible, in my dreams. Thanks for the oportunity😊

[@Sinleqeunnini]

Chomsky on modern political history would be awesome.

[@Sinleqeunnini]

@Kayzi Shedi Wa! Can I touch Your Holiness?

[@Sinleqeunnini]

@Chester Jeffrey That's why institutions are part of the problem even as they produce good people. They need to be reformed.

[@triestesong]

​@Chester Jeffrey Well, I guess it also depends on the home one comes from, their own personal way of thinking, or ideology.

[@robertyoung1777]

As an old man, Professor Chomsky makes his points with a clarity that everyone can understand and relate to. Thank you Professor.

[@johnbows2555]

Few people will ever be as important to the academy as they are to the wider populace.

[@arbynChief617]

You mean more damaging?

[@mikekatz7980]

@@arbynChief617 no he wrote the word important. Can you read? Are you cognitively impaired?

[@mikekatz7980]

Graf von Losinj your angry tantrum was much more interesting and thought provoking...thanks. You will be the next big public intellectual I'm sure of it.

[@ryanschwan2507]

@Graf von Losinj I wonder if even he stifles a little gag when they pour the saccharine praise on him.

[@JB-me8jp]

44:43 "I am interested in human-beings" (44:33 - "Why you fell in love with linguistics")

[@a.omurbattalgazi1313]

Thank you so much Mr. Chomsky, and everyone of you who contributed. Loved every minute of it. Followed and much appreciated from Istanbul.

[@seanofeic2596]

Noam Chomsky just turned 92 and sharper than Occam's razor. He still can explain complex problems in a manner that most anyone can follow and very few can contest.

[@PetraKann]

Yet he advocates for the segregation and punishment of those that refuse to accept experimental mRNA Gene Therapy Treatments used to tackle a nasty flu season. Always watch the intellectual class - it is a critical gatekeeper for the ruling class.

[@Dr.UldenWascht]

Noam, please live on for a few more decades.

[@ChooseCompassion]

I adore Noam! He’s a national treasure. Mad respect. 🙏🏼💜 Happy early birthday dear Mr. Chomsky. Mine is the day after yours. I’m so grateful you are still speaking the truth like you have been for the almost 64 years that I’ve been alive. God bless you always.

[@DavidWicked]

Great job guys. Thanks for creating this everyone.

[@dharmendarprakashgautam5043]

Thanks for this opportunity.......Sir/Madam

[@commoveo1]

I’m a retired union organizer and he is exactly correct that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working people! Love his thinking. Our Plato ❤️😇🌈

[@SamuelGriffin]

Democrat Party is Pure Evil......They and their Media Friends are Satanic.

[@coolcatdozzit6482]

Correct. Democrats and Republicans have sold US working people down the river. Its a real shame that in US ( compared to Canada, Germany, UK, France etc) there is no centre-left party with staying power to provide a strong alternative to working people during election time . Many working people in US have been blinded- manipulated by Trump's cheap populism. How can someone who is filthy rich, doesn't know what poverty or hunger is, ever be concerned with improving the plight of the millions of far less fortuneate and poor ? Its impossible.

[@reaowens2712]

@@SamuelGriffin What actually is wrong with you?

[@bobsondugnutt7526]

Thanks for giving subtitles. Never been easier to follow along with this guy.

[@ONLYINAMERIification]

Excellent interview, I’ve always loved and respected this man.

[@dawnglessner7432]

Please, please, please listen to Professor Chomsky! We need you young people to listen to this man. Your lives depend on it. Spread the knowledge. Rant from me, an ineloquent baby boomer.

[@fapeckham1399]

Happy belated birthday Mr Choamsky ,thank you for being .Your mind and knowledge are greatly appreciate 💥

[@Ed_Mann]

Wow! Amazing. Wisdom unequalled. We need elders and Noam is without parallel w/re to historical perspective, recognizing patterns, level of knowledge and willingness to call it like it is. Thank you Michael and Dr. Chomsky. ❤️🙏

[@bbcb1856]

This young man is very perceptive and did a wonderful job And Chomsky is great as always, a legend

[@normanbraslow7902]

A B, only a legend in his and fellow leftists minds, such as they are.

[@normanbraslow7902]

Johnny Rotten TDS on steroids.

[@webbedtoes2]

"you can be a wildman in the wings, working for the greater good of the world or you can take the incentives and become a corporate lawyer" - this man is 💯 correct. Amd may we (common folk) all learn our rights to stand on against (more of those who fall) those who have taken the bait.

[@LeSyd1984]

Very appropriate... and it's all a question of choosing the correct incentives. The recent global events applied considerable pressure on Noam to join the second camp... ;)

[@beesplaining1882]

Noam Chomsky is a highly intelligent and well informed thinker who's been speaking truth to power all his adult life. He should be held in esteem by a far larger audience than he is.

[@beesplaining1882]

@Juliette M you make some very good points. Chomsky's insights are invaluable to me personally to understand the big picture on many disparate world events.

[@lindalinda-ie3hw]

if the public knew him many more would support his ideas❤

[@serious1only123]

@Juliette M not the forefather of it, rather the product of it (look further back to pre-Noam movements from whence he drew upon)

[@forgerboy]

I agree with you but he has commented on that phrase of “speaking truth to power” by saying that “the powerful already know the truth”. He emphasizes collective power outside institutions and that popular movements within states as a way change

[@beesplaining1882]

@@forgerboy fair points.

[@commonsense6489]

What a treasured icon that the MSM and World chose to marginalize, silence and ignore at OUR forever detriment. Thank God some of us were aware. He has spent his life trying and I will forever cherish him, as will others when it’s too late. Love him.

[@patsavage1245]

👌👌👌

[@Brett_S_420]

The MSM? Let me guess, you are one of Trump's cult members. Huh?

[@ryanschwan2507]

@@Brett_S_420 The MSM is perfectly capable of constantly lying about both Trump and Chomsky. Just like Chomsky is good at lying about Trump.

[@mck1972]

@@ryanschwan2507 , Accusing Chomsky of, ' lying ', presupposes that he knows what he says is not true, because can tell the difference between fact, vs his own fantasy. -I would not take that bet...

[@Phyligree]

great question on the current mistrust of institutions and societal power structures; and professors Chomsky’s answer was, as always, enlightening.

[@jamesc5299]

He gets his facts wrong though for someone looked to as an intellectual. Business schools have been teaching stakeholder management for years. Its a myth that they only care about profit. America has by far more private donations then any country in the world, due to compassionate business leaders. I guess you have to be an intellectual to ignore evidence.

[@Phyligree]

@@jamesc5299 Are you arguing that the main objectove of a for profit corporation is not self enrichment above all else? If so, the foundation upon which you have built your perception of the capitalist structure is deeply flawed. It’s all well and good that American corporations donate money hand over fist (all tax deductible of course) but that doesnt change the fact that the main objective of the keystone positions of society (corporate boardrooms) are motivated and inclined by nature of the system in which they exist to prioritize self enrichment.

[@jamesc5299]

@@Phyligree Maybe your perception of free markets is wrong. Its a benevolent relationship not oppressor vs oppressed which is debunked Marxist rhetoric. When you are an empirical and use evidence, you can easily cut through that rhetoric. Entrepreneurs I know use their achievement to benefit others and society. Who are these evil people intellectuals like to hate on? Are they real people or abstract people in your imagination?

[@susannemeyer7023]

Thinking/teaching of other stakeholders than shareholders on a broader base is a relatively new development and definitely wasn't common sense in the eighties marked as the beginning of the abandonment of the working class by Noam Chomsky. At that time he was one of the few who were outspoken about what was going on while many did not even recognized what it meant to give up public responsibility. There was quite an annoying element to public services being inefficient and costly but what corporations did thereafter, e.g. running prisons in the US or public transport in GB (because of Thatcher's similarly outlandish policy) was appalling. And lead as Noam Chomsky rightly pointed out to now falling apart societies in the US and Europe. Fragility is written on the forehead of these societies.

[@charlesbourgoigne2130]

@@jamesc5299 I guess the problem is money in politics. Few with high economic power control a political system that calls itself democracy but is an oligarchy. A free market must be regulated. Otherwise you will see the formation of monopolies and a concentration of power that eventually undermines democracy.

[@DaboooogA]

Give this man his roses

[@flemhawker9134]

If only more people would listen to Noam & people like him & stop & think, buts he’s kept well away from main Stream media. Most people have never even heard of him. PS. I’ve just finished listening to this, it took hours because I kept going back to listen to complete answers. What a mind & how articulate. Just incredible.

[@vickirausch47]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this.

[@maxikim7240]

Happy birthday, Professor Chomsky!!

[@ManojJinadasa]

No words to thank you all

[@gulliegulliver4546]

Thank you for this. I've been reading Chomsky, and listening to him for over 30 years. His determination to lay it all out, including the really bad, scary stuff that goes on and needs to be challenged, coupled with his amazing optimism and belief in our ability to change things, has always inspired me.

[@cdeignan47]

So strap on your boots and get going. What's stopping you? It's only fear. I've finally found real courage at 60 and I feel 17 again. If a crazy bipolar Irishman like me can do it, anyone can.

[@tjwalkup7155]

Thank you so much for this. The benediction was superb.

[@hussainnaduvilakath672]

Prof Noam Chomsky's opinion that human language is not just for communication but for thinking is really striking . Many of conventional scientists try to reduce human language uniqueness to the level of animal gestures and many of research programs are based on this fallacy.

[@triestesong]

Have you ever tried to think without words? ...It's impossible!

[@frank-xq9iy]

Watching these videos of chomsky are like music to my ears.

[@josephcook-lyon5203]

Thank you for your tireless efforts Mr Chomsky

[@MarcoDollenz]

Soothing to listen too such clear thought, Thx to Chomsky

[@kristinamelnichenko5775]

30:00 Thank you Professor Chomsky for always empowering us through information and the idea we can make a difference. You make the world a better place. Happy Birthday!

[@thomasanderson1882]

Noam is Gandalf the Great!

[@mtn1793]

I wish he had the magic staff to make his work easier.

[@fcharz59]

U fredo

[@yukip8312]

You shall not pass

[@mahinafilms7162]

He officially Gandalf the White now. White robes and scepter!

[@mck1972]

@@mahinafilms7162 , Gandalf has a much stronger connection to reality than Chomsky. SMH

[@seunggyu7030]

this is a very interesting and thought provoking video. Thanks for posting this

[@meccamorgan2999]

Really good, thank you to all involved.

[@MrZacchery]

I am one of the dying working class. 2 jobs, 20 years until broke, left to waste away. Thank God for humanity holding me up to witness this. I am 36.

[@cdeignan47]

Thirty fuckin six? Get your boots on. I came to the US with a $1500 loan at 30 years of age and at 60, I've made my way, modestly. Strap those boots on, you got this. Don't die, fight agains the dying of the light, fight like fucking crazy and don't let the bastards grind you down.

[@MrZacchery]

@@cdeignan47 I got diagnosed with conditions that qualify me for full disability at 34. That didn't stop me from working. I continued to work until my chronic illness I've been dealing with for 10 years increased in severity. I was working two jobs until last fall, and finally had to stop all together in February due to inability to actually work. The long-term American diet likely has something to do with it, I have been treated by more than a dozen doctors with no answers, and by the grace of God, was given a free session with a naturalopathic doctor (Medicaid wouldn't pay for) and she had some advice that might finally help. I dropped out of material engineering at University, my fault, I didn't want to purify elemental phosphorus for Monstanto during 2015, just prior to their mass lawsuit. See my other comment on labor crises. I have lost jobs I never should have. We are in a really bad state in this country, and poor people like me are always the unheard or unseen first indicator.

[@cdeignan47]

@@MrZacchery Apologies for my hasty and ill-considered response. This is not a place for conversation normally but I'll give it a go. Yep, the poor and working classes continue to get royally screwed by the elites who run the show, be they politicians, health care executives, basically anyone who isn't poor or working calss. The cultural narrative is feudal and evil, blaming the poor for their poverty. Jesus might just reappear and throw the bums out of the temple. It wasn't always that way, and it doesn't have to be that way. I've been fortunate enough to have lived in two European countries before coming to New York. I'm very grateful to New York City for all the opportunities afforded to me, but mind you I've worked damned hard to help create them, backed by a wonderfully enlightened education in the Republic of Ireland. I'm so sorry you find yourself in that awful position and honest to God, if was a rich man, I'd do my best to help you out. No one, no fellow citizen ought to suffer needlessly, just so some wanker can build a second swimming pool up his own arse. I believe anyone with more than two homes should be property taxed on the extra homes up the ying yang, most markedly as a discouragement from being a dick. Nobody on this planet needs more than two homes and even that's one too many. Good people are literally dying every day from neglect, that's really what's happening with this pandemic. No one up top gives a fuck. God bless your efforts at keeping whole and true to yourself. I wish you nothing but good things, sure sounds like you freakin' well deserve them. The private healthcare industry is evil. I could tell you stories but you don't need to listen to my whining. Be well, stay safe and live your life to the full.

[@MrZacchery]

@@cdeignan47 thank you for getting me, the scary part is how many who share my situation I've met along the way. We have some serious food problems here. Choice isn't so clear for us raised in this mire. Choice and economics give the impression that self care isn't important.

[@cdeignan47]

@@MrZacchery If you don't mind me asking, where are you based? I'm in Queens, New York City.

[@mestredosmagos666]

one of the great warrior wizards who faced and still faces evils from human mind desire for power.

[@thehoustontime7676]

Great show. Wonderful Prophet of our time . Congratulations to HSL Chapter 5 for organising this historic interview, we are living in a very exciting and fragile time in human history.

[@jericheatum9474]

Thank you for this interesting 🤔 conversation with Professor Chomsky.

[@banisco4796]

Dr. Chomsky. thank you for this illuminating lecture. I am hunted by that paring question "...Will the human experiment persist in any recognizable form?" I am and yet petrified.

[@pambamarca2]

Calling all wild men (and women) in the wings!

[@DavidM4164BF]

Outstanding, such compassion and insight. The challenge is there for all of us, especially those of us living in privileged parts of the world, to do all we can with courage, grace, hard work, optimism and dedication to find real solutions for the sake of others and not only ourselves.

[@anaotoni8595]

Thans or being this clear and sharp voice for the working people in this world.

[@joed7691]

It was great to see Noam still at it. And his insights into current issues shows he is still as astute as ever, especially in his analysis of the black lives movement and Trump. A suggestion to the MC. It’s okay to go off script and adapt to the flow. The contrast between Noam’s insights and your next scripted question was awkward. Constructive feedback on how to interview in future.

[@carlodave9]

As a retiring public school teacher, I feel like I've had an insider's view on what to expect from a few generations. As a result, I've yet to be surprised at the dawn of corporate feudalism. The coming generation is the last one I've taught, and it's the one that terrifies me more than any other. Not because they are bad or dumb people, but because their attention, along with their capacity for sustained, disciplined thought, has been so completely and effectively predated upon by corporate interests that control digital communication. I'm not sure they consent to this mental predation any more than calves consent to munching away in their stalls on a veal lot. I've never seen such conformity, even as the coming generation buys the algorithmic-generated hype that they are so unique, aware, capable, and diverse. If the the medium is the message, then digital medium's message is about exponential consumption, distraction, and fragmentation heading into the future. The irony I keep seeing is that the few students who do achieve levels of discipline and independent thought -- a capacity that could make them most capable of affecting social and political change toward the common good -- tend to be the most privileged. These students ultimately figure out (consciously or unconsciously) that they have the least to gain by the meaningful social changes that Chomsky thinks/hopes they are capable of. These are the students that wind up at schools like Yale and Harvard Law. Yes, they may enjoy some intellectual detours like Zoom calls with Chomsky while in college; but, on the whole, these institutions have been cranking out a scourge upon public welfare and equity for the last 40 years. Unfortunately, now that I'm retiring, I see no end in sight to this dynamic. But I guess it makes sense. What political structure is better suited to weather the emergent climate catastrophe than feudalism? In fact the future looks pretty bright for dominant corporations. I even hear that a few of them are busy developing their own currencies. Their own currencies! And quaint little "democratic" governments like our own seem perfectly ok with this glaring harbinger of their own demise. Side note: I also just heard that Bob Dylan has sold his songs to a colossal corporate monolith for a few hundred million dollars -- another sign that the times they are a-changin'.

[@volksy7261]

Carlo Dave I wonder how many students at that Zoom felt profoundly uncomfortable when he spoke truth to their future power and posed what their choice was. I also wonder what their choice will be with regard to being the first and last generation to decide if the human experiment continues.

[@IllicitMediaproductions]

Im going to incorporate your ideas into my music and performance art. What better way to express my visceral raw rage and anger than to physically and violently assault a television set with a baseball bat on a stage? My message will be 1. A Rejection of Consumerism 2. A focus on LOVE 3. And A Realization that we are all ONE

[@zedbongo2033]

This was very depressing and pessimistic but in-fact the sad reality

[@rd264]

the perspective and experience of school teachers is interesting - too bad more experienced school teachers dont speak up.

[@gamingwithslacker]

Great post. I'm interested in your assertion that companies are developing their own currencies unimpeded. Do you know any good books / articles about this ? Thanks, Gabriel

[@sharonhall1067]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@kristinaldridge1712]

Happy Birthday for this week. My birthday is the 7th of December aswell. How amazing to share a birthday with this mind.

[@DeniseMinter]

Happy Birthday dear Noam Chomsky. Words can not express our gratitude to you and your wisdom.

[@UberOcelot]

Just as sharp as ever, though every time I see him he looks more like Tolstoy!

[@beerblues762]

More like Moses. I hope he’s not finding religion in his old age. Talking about the bible...

[@mattmarkus4868]

Just sharp enough to publicly say the most absurd things like "Trump is the worse criminal to ever live", making even the New Yorker interviewer blush and say, "wait, whaaaat? you didn't mean that literally right?".

[@moniqueburchell1488]

Gandalf!

[@johncaccioppo1142]

@@mattmarkus4868 only cultists think Trump DEFINITELY isn't the worst criminal in history. Anyone aware of the state of our world and his contributions, past and present, would at least put him in the running for the award. And he would probably, very likely, take the award as the highest of compliments.

[@smotnick]

@@beerblues762 One of the many things I appreciate about Chomsky, is that he puts religion in its proper historical context and doesn't generalize. He's not some wild-eyed chip-on-my-shoulder atheist like Harris or Hitchens. Dr West is a Christian, yet he and Chomsky see eye-to-eye on most issues.

[@NestorChirinosB]

Significant questions, and tremendous answers.

[@jeanyvesbenoist2085]

Happy birthday Mr Chomsky

[@happystress9903]

wow thank you for sharing this lecture

[@cynthiaennis3107]

He is an amazing man, for sure! I’m privileged to listen to him!

[@Raven-ug8uw]

I like how kind the students appear. So kind to slow the question down to accommodate the hearing difficulty.

[@nicholasrecord6502]

Take a break. For as long as you need. Retire if you want. You're right, all these problems, are in our hands. Tell your fans they can do this with your books and lectures without you. You're an inspiring individual.

[@Castorp-wn7dh]

The scariest thing about Chomsky's statements is not their pessimistic tone, but the argumentation that supports them.

[@edgarcayce2.02]

Exactly. He'll make a statement that sounds radical and preposterous, but then after he explains further, the statement will invariably make perfect sense.

[@carolcarlson9278]

What an inspiring man!

[@yoshiobecerra5098]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. NOAM CHOMSKY AND THANK YOU TO Michael Lehavi AND Harvard Law School. I HAVE NO IDEA OF THE VALUE OF THIS VIDEO BUT I REQUEST THAT THE INTERVIEWS WITH THE TEACHER BE PERMANENT, OF COURSE THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE OF CONTINUING TO SHARE HIS TIME. MY SON AND I ARE ATTENTIVE TO YOUR ANSWER, KEEP YOU HAVING A NICE DAY, SEE YOU SOON!

[@adrianpratama1343]

niatnya nonton video ini buat pengantar tidur malah melek lagi. makasih buat nasihatnya Prof. Chomsky. sehat2 selalu

[@samiullahkhan2391]

Vasquez Question! ❤️ Loved it bro, i have been struggling with this thought alot.

[@beerblues762]

Although I’ve never heard Noam use the word bullshit I love the way it doesn’t seem to bother him at all when others use it.

[@noahlevor7652]

!! I think Noam could tell how uncomfortable that pre-law kid was reading it, so he asked him to repeat the question! lol. I don't think that was a mistake. The way he can look past any type of delivery and respond immediately and concisely without flinching is amazing.

[@IllicitMediaproductions]

You should hear him after a few drinks the guy's a sailor!

[@user-ih6tv4cz4k]

CHOMSKY= WISDOM THAT CAN MAKE YOU CRY AND REJOICE

[@nimble1669]

May you receive everything due to you Noam, in this life and the next.

[@DLStarbuck]

Please go back and fix the volume. I had to mute the interviewer so that I didn't have to change the volume all the time when Chomsky came on. Seen this in other interviews with Chomsky.

[@cdeignan47]

Oh quit your whining :)

[@johnhulsker9123]

Always, coincidence ?

[@kell2640]

Happy Birthday Noam!

[@CarlosPena-pf5zi]

Thank You Professor Chomsky.

[@romualdomelo2785]

Professor Congrstulations again I am so proud about your books

[@gregorytrane7828]

I always learn something new from this true thinker and genius of the rare realm, that few can approach. He's always thought provoking on his take of past, present and future possible scenarios in the evolution of political science and society.

[@thomanderson7981]

The moderator did an excellent job. Very astute & perceptive young man.

[@bma1955alimarber]

thank you very much dear Professor Noam chomsky for this instructive dialogue with the new generation of global citizen students. we all are facing with this hard choice: to be free or not to be...tournament. there is a golden opportunity at the disposal of young generation, to avoid that risks becoming catastrophes

[@vickirausch47]

Important to listen to what he says about not accepting limitations...keep finding ways to go around...i am 77 and been doing this all of my life with every institution, regulation, laws, etc. Making your own way is not so difficult if you just stay, calmly, focused on your goal. Develop your cleverness. If you REALLY are clear about what you want, the rest is easy, peasy....the inspiration comes...trust the process and follow your dreams.

[@elenacastro1680]

We need more role models like Professor Noam Chomsky.

[@olllloollllo]

Holy shit, Chomsky is better than weed. It's always calming to hear him and know I am not the only one thinking these things.

[@gracevalentine1666]

Right t f on!

[@normanbraslow7902]

Better than weed? That says it all. Your brain is fried.

[@gracevalentine1666]

Norman Braslow pure projection, Norm. You just told the world about your own brain. I’m in the dumbest of the smart people, obvious in that I bothered to reply- smart people often smoke weed.

[@normanbraslow7902]

grace Valentine, your English is quite confused. Obviously, too much weed in your diet.

[@gracevalentine1666]

Norman Braslow prescriptivist to the max - what didn’t you understand? Diss my register? If it helps you think you’re winning...uh, ok.

[@christianjimenez1877]

Excelente pensador. Gracias a sus escritos, me inicié en la Filosofía Analítica. Su pensamiento crítico y desafiante es impresionante. La lingüística se enriqueció por sus grandes contribuciones.

[@Chowringhee]

Superb clarity as always.

[@rahulnath9655]

So much wisdom here that I want to point out bits: - Chomsky asserts that language's purpose is internal as a means for thought; it was never intended for communication. He speculates that in the history of life and possibly the universe, humans are alone in having this natural gift - Chomsky claims that NAFTA and other trade agreements are simply "investor rights agreements" rather than actual free trade agreements. He claims they are inherently protectionist in nature. - He posits that unless our current generation makes choices to address the confluence of crises that affect our lives, then human history will come to a swift end - He thinks that Trump is the worst criminal in human history, beyond just his climate policies - He sees Obama as having betrayed the working class immediately, by passing structured corporate welfare. He posits that the Democrats dumped the working class and they turned to the GOP Lot more to unpack

[@SealionDefenseBrigade]

The wolves never communicated to the grizzly bears to help them wage war on the deer. The wolves and bears never joined forces to push deer populations towards extinction. Only the human animals think and communicate such.. Aren't they special...

[@nohisocitutampoc2789]

He is a prophet, immortal professor Chomsky.

[@romualdomelo2785]

Congratulations teacher Chomsky

[@patriciatopper8401]

This beautiful man with a truly brilliant intellect is the personfication of " The Thinker". The world needs to listen.

[@arthurfrancisd.murphy1643]

Superb

[@silvanahakunamatata1992]

Professor Chomsky, you are my inspiration. Thank you for dedicating your life to make this a better place.

[@zarsagh7643]

it was great,thank you

[@juliansantiagoparadaigua3347]

Thank you for that.