Corruption: The Root of Poverty and the Silence of Noam Chomsky

By the time he reached 95 years old, the great American philosopher and linguist Noam Chomsky—a man who spent his life exposing the harsh truths of global power systems—lost the ability to speak and write. The irony of his silence could not be more profound, for it came at a time when his voice was needed most. For decades, Chomsky had been a relentless critic of economic and political corruption, the exploitation of nations, and the manipulation of public perception. His words, now only echoes, still ring true:

“There is no such thing as a poor country. There’s only one failed system in resource management.”

This statement captures one of the biggest myths of our time—that poverty is natural. In reality, poverty is manufactured by those in power. Corruption, both domestic and international, ensures that wealth flows in one direction, leaving billions in destitution while a small elite accumulates unimaginable fortunes.

The Illusion of Scarcity

Many so-called "poor" countries are, in fact, among the wealthiest in terms of natural resources. The Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, holds over $24 trillion worth of minerals, including the cobalt and lithium that power the world’s technology. Nigeria, Angola, and Venezuela are drowning in oil. Yet, their citizens live in poverty. How is this possible? Because corruption prevents resource wealth from benefiting the people.

Corrupt leaders collaborate with multinational corporations and foreign powers, siphoning wealth while maintaining an illusion of scarcity. Chomsky’s words perfectly describe the strategy used to justify oppression:

“If you want to conquer a people, create an imaginary enemy who seems more dangerous than you, then be their savior.”

Governments and global institutions often create false threats—terrorism, communism, refugees, crime—to justify militarization, economic control, and debt slavery. Meanwhile, the real enemy—the economic elite who exploit nations—remains hidden in plain sight.

Rights Are Never Given, Only Taken

Chomsky was also clear about how change happens. Contrary to mainstream narratives, freedom is never handed down—it must be seized.

“One of the clearest lessons in history: Rights are not granted, they are taken by force.”

This is why those in power work so hard to suppress resistance. They rewrite history to convince the oppressed that they are powerless. They teach "great man" history, where change is always the work of a lone genius, rather than a collective struggle.

“There is a purpose in distorting history and making it seem like great men did it all. It’s part of how you teach people who can’t do anything, that they are powerless.”

But history tells a different story. Real progress—the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, independence from colonial rule—was not the work of a single hero, but of movements that demanded justice.

The Manufactured Mind

Perhaps Chomsky’s greatest insight was how power controls people not just through violence, but through ideas. The most effective form of domination is mental slavery:

“The world is a very mysterious and confusing place. If you are not willing to get confused, you become a replica of someone else’s mind.”

The education system, media, and popular culture shape people’s beliefs, making them think their suffering is their own fault. The poor are told they are lazy. The unemployed are told they lack skills. The oppressed are told to be patient.

But as Chomsky knew, these narratives serve one purpose: to maintain control.

“So you can control people. Make him believe that he is the reason for his delay and that you are coming to save him.”

The West’s Spiritual Crisis

In his later years, Chomsky became increasingly critical of Western ideology—not just politically, but spiritually. He saw that the West was in deep moral decay, prioritizing consumerism, entertainment, and power over truth, justice, and human connection.

“The world or the West will regret its trivial ideas that divert a person from his humanity or his nature. They must know the right religion and the right belief.”

While Chomsky was not a religious man in the traditional sense, he recognized that Western materialism had led to a loss of meaning. Societies obsessed with power and wealth had lost their spiritual compass, and in doing so, had created a world of manipulation, greed, and endless war.

The Final Lesson: The Power of Truth

Chomsky may have lost his ability to speak, but his message remains: Corruption is the reason for poverty. Rights are not given, but taken. The greatest form of control is mental slavery.

He spent his life exposing lies, urging people to think critically, to challenge power, and to see through the illusion. If his words have any lesson, it is this:

No one will put the truth in your mind. It is something you have to discover for yourself.