...if the Palestinians accept the solution that professor Chomsky finds unacceptable, will he use his enormous resources as the most influential intellectual in the world today to turn the Palestinians against this peace proposal, or will he lend his great prestige to urging the Palestinians, and his academic supporters all over the world, to accept a pragmatic compromise solution. Professor Chomsky, a lot turns on you. You're a very important and influential person, and therefore you'd understand your power, and use it in the interests of peace. --Alan Dershowitz, November 29, 2005 [228]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author asks Chomsky to use his influence to encourage pragmatic compromise for peace rather than blocking solutions.
- In plain terms
- Use your influence to urge compromise for peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Influential figures can shape peace efforts through advocacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the right role for intellectuals in peace?
Another view
It assumes the speaker knows best what constitutes peace.
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