271 Quotes by E. P. Thompson

Could I interrupt here, because there is an alternative explanation, which you are particularly well placed to examine. You know the argument that it is the alchemists in the laboratories who invent the sweet new kits.

The foulest damage to our political life comes not from the 'secrets' which they hide from us, but from the little bits of half-truth and disinformation which they do tell us. These are already pre-digested, and then are sicked up as little gobbits of authorised spew. The columns of defense correspondents in the establishment sheets serve as the spittoons.

For two decades the state has been taking liberties, and these liberties were once ours.

It makes me wonder at what point in time will these students open their eyes.

I will hear no talk that there are no intermediate-range weapons on the NATO side.

I do not see class as a 'structure', nor even as a 'category', but as something which in fact happens (and can be shown to have happened) in human relationships... the notion of class entails the notion of historical relationship. ...And class happens when some men, as a result of common experiences (inherited or shared), feel and articulate the identity of their interests as between themselves, and as against other men whose interests are different from (and usually opposed to) theirs

I think you will find scientists that think like you in Germany and Britain, and you will find politicians that think like Weinberger. I think the most bellicose ruling group in the Western world at the moment is the British.

It's going to go on at least another three years, maybe another five, before it levels off. It's not like the hula hoop craze. You put poker tables in, then you take them out and put slot machines in if the fad disappears.

We must not look at the past with the enormous condescension of posterity.