In a recent British magazine poll, MIT linguistics professor Noam Chomsky was named the world's top public intellectual. Can you imagine being named that? That'd be wonderful, yes. Absolutely. And if I was the world's top public intellectual, you folks could all kiss my ass. --David Letterman, October 19, 2005 [268]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A TV host jokes about being the top public intellectual and tells the audience to kiss his ass.
- In plain terms
- This person mocks the idea of being the top intellectual.
- What can you take from it?
- Fame and titles are often mocked.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you react to praise?
Another view
The joke reflects sarcasm rather than actual arrogance.
More from Noam Chomsky
Craig Kilborn: Name your favorite Charlie's Angel. Give you some time to think of that. John Cleese: Noam Chomsky. --January 20, 1997 [267]
Permalink to quote #286 I don't pretend to think I'm as smart as Noam Chomsky, but I'm smart enough to ask him questions. --Bill Maher, February 27, 2007 [269]
Permalink to quote #288 When Noam Chomsky was merely the most original, arresting, and widely talked-about linguistic theorist in America, he was never referred to as a leading Americ…
Permalink to quote #285
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