It's not every day that you get an audience with one of the foremost intellectuals of the past century whose works feature on university reading lists the world around. Even less one that has such a name for lamenting journalism's failure to challenge political hegemony and stifle wider debate. But despite being revered in academic settings, much of Professor Noam Chomsky's fame – or notoriety – comes from his criticism of Western foreign policy and his scathing critiques of the mass media outlets that manipulate public discussion.
In conversation with Thomas Moller-Nielsen, Professor Chomsky was typically analytical on the major issues that threaten to overturn the world as we know it. Whilst those familiar with the veteran intellectual's work won't be surprised to hear his cutting assessment of government inaction on climate change or diversity of public discourse, Chomsky boldly contested some of the "official" versions of events that have been widely accepted.
Most pertinently, the issue of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in September, which though unproven is generally accepted as being the work of Russian saboteurs. Chomsky strongly countered this line, arguing that there is "no reason whatsoever why Russia would destroy one of their own capital investments". So who did it? The professor's conclusion is compelling, though it will likely be years before evidence surfaces to prove such assertions.
Beyond current affairs, questions of human nature were raised – a theme that has been central to Chomsky's early work on linguistics. What, according to the professor, could be the innate characteristics that set mankind apart from other animals? On the topic of nature vs nurture, Chomsky has spent much of his career showing how complex the debate is. Nonetheless, he did ponder whether humanity's often-lauded intelligence might rather be our downfall.
Ever astute, the interview will lead you to think again about how we view world events and underlines the importance of enquiry.
Do you agree with Chomsky? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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