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Understanding Power cover art

Understanding Power

By: Noam Chomsky,John Schoeffel - editor,Peter R. Mitchell - editor
Narrated by: Robin Bloodworth
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Summary

A major new collection from "arguably the most important intellectual alive" (The New York Times). Noam Chomsky is universally accepted as one of the preeminent public intellectuals of the modern era. Over the past thirty years, broadly diverse audiences have gathered to attend his sold-out lectures. Now, in Understanding Power, Peter Mitchell and John Schoeffel have assembled the best of Chomsky's recent talks on the past, present, and future of the politics of power.

In a series of enlightening and wide-ranging discussions, all published here for the first time, Chomsky radically reinterprets the events of the past three decades, covering topics from foreign policy during Vietnam to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration. And as he elucidates the connection between America's imperialistic foreign policy and the decline of domestic social services, Chomsky also discerns the necessary steps to take toward social change. With an eye to political activism and the media's role in popular struggle, as well as U.S. foreign and domestic policy, Understanding Power offers a sweeping critique of the world around us and is definitive Chomsky. Characterized by Chomsky's accessible and informative style, this is the ideal book for those new to his work as well as for those who have been listening for years.

©2002 Noam Chomsky, Peter Rounds Mitchell, and John Schoeffel (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

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Effecting Change

I listened to this over 6 weeks, at times a bit repetitive - but I suppose that's to be expected.

Probably 60/40 illustrative examples concern US foreign or domestic policy. Vs. The rest of the world.

The essence of the message :
* Governments under the foot of corporations
* Continual military action to ensure arms manufacture
* Universities shape the potential elites (plus the normal function of education and research)
* The press, not to be trusted.
* Economic strategy reasonably clear as one root cause, but no solution

Negatives:
* no discussion of rights and freedoms in the digital age (modern Internet, digital surveillance, evolution of dark web etc)
* leaves you wondering about if this is targeted at your insecurities - who should we trust.
* lacking in depth treatment of Europe (at one point alludes to more evolved socio-politic of Europe, and at another naive view of Europe wrt US) probably the wrong book if you want a greater understanding of European politics, culture and business.

Doesn't really answer the question how to effect change, only makes clear - new governments are only a placebo during the honeymoon period until corporations fully exert their control. Democratic voting power?

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40 people found this helpful

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Listen to this book and awake from the dream

What made the experience of listening to Understanding Power the most enjoyable?

This is probably one of the most influential books I have ever experienced. It covers so much ground, is so detailed and fact-rich that I never for a moment questioned the authenticity and sincerity of Chomsky's opinions and study of a world in the grip of trans-national corporate power. The depth of analysis and reasoning is at times breathtaking and much of the content will stay with me forever. I hope many will have the chance to read it and spread the word in order that we might all, in our small way, change for the better the sociopolitical landscape we find ourselves in today.

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32 people found this helpful

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Compelling listening

The more of the book I listened to, the more engaging and accessible I found it. There is a lot to listen to, but I would encourage listeners to persevere. The more of the book you hear, the more the complete picture is revealed.

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30 people found this helpful

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A book made for audible

This is a great book. It is tough going in places, so make use of the bookmarks and go back until you understand. It's long but it's worth it. The detail and examples are well thought out and relevant to today.

If you find yourself questioning information you read on social media, watch on the TV or read in the newspaper, this book is for you.

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Mixed bag

This is a good introduction to Noam Chomsky, and enjoyable. I'm glad I bought it.

However, some of the material is redundant - repeating arguments made elsewhere in the audiobook. Also, some of it has nothing to do with politics and society: it's just Noam telling us his guesses and opinions, and explaining how he feels about social activism.

Also, the way the narrator reads the questions from the audiences often presents them as stupid, or worshipful. That's not great.

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brilliant

my first experience of Noam Chomsky. I much preferred that book than the subsequent one i read of him, because this one is a collection of picked interventions of the authors rather than a long, structured narrative, which allow a much greater span to the reflexion.

the picture the author paints of the current american and world power structure is so simple, so instinctive yet so completely misunderstood its bewildering.

i highly recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding our world

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Mind Blowing

The book, which touches on so many intricate subjects, is a masterpiece. Human introspection at the highest level.

Possibly the most powerful and thought-provoking material produced this century.

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Really Indispensable Book!

Any additional comments?

This book is quite philosophical in nature. It defines the class of Chomsky if you’ve, only, vaguely heard about the man before. I have had reasonably good understanding of how US is working towards her hegemonic plans. But this book has given me strong understanding as to how serious the country is towards it’s malicious schemes. Arguments presented in the book are very strong and clear. It’s simple and so easy to follow and comprehend. There is no rhetoric, spat or rant of any kind. It’s pure intellectual work. Really loved it!

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In parts quite dated. a Curate's egg from Chomsky

Chomsky is quite a notorious figure on the American left, taking a position far more radical than most American commentators. This is quite refreshing, and his critique of American society is worth listening to. Even if the listener finds some of his conclusions questionable, they do spark thought about the fundamental direction of society. It is a radical collection of thoughts, but very centered on the American experience and culture

Most of the dialogues that this work is drawn from are from the nineties, and while some issues are unchanged and his thoughts often prophetic, others are quite dated. There is little on gender or environmental injustice, or the eclipse of the US economy by other nations. Some pieces are also fairly irrelevant to modern ears, such as critiques of particular American editorialisers.

The narrator mostly handles the text well, though his voices for the male questioners seems rather bombastic and for the females rather pleading.

Worth persisting through the dull bits as there are some gems in there too, and it has inspired me to acquire a more contemporary work.

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Uncomfortably true

A long read for sure. Only for seekers of what they cannot easily find. Well researched by an expert.

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