The statement suggests that spending a brief amount of time online does not equate to gaining a deep understanding or expertise in complex subjects like physics. It emphasizes that true comprehension and mastery require extensive study and dedication, often spanning several years through formal education.
On a deeper level, the quote reflects broader concerns about the ease with which people can access information on the internet and the potential misperception of this as genuine knowledge. Noam Chomsky is cautioning against the assumption that brief encounters with information online provide comprehensive understanding or credibility in scientific or academic fields. This perspective highlights the value placed on formal education, where rigorous training, hands-on experience, and critical thinking are part of developing expertise over time. The quote also serves as a reminder about the importance of lifelong learning and the limitations of superficial knowledge.
Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, social critic, and political activist. Renowned for his work in linguistics and his critiques of U.S. foreign policy and capitalism, he has been a prolific author and speaker since the 1950s. His insights span various fields including language theory, philosophy of mind, and political theory, making him one of the most influential intellectuals of modern times.
