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How to Be a Liberal
- The Story of Liberalism and the Fight for Its Life
- Narrated by: Ian Dunt
- Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins
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How to Be a Liberal
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Summary
From Brexit Britain to Trump's America to Orban's Hungary, liberal values are under attack.
In a soaring narrative that stretches from the English Civil War to the 2008 financial crash and the rise of populism, the journalist Ian Dunt tells the epic story of liberalism, from its birth in the fight against absolute monarchy to the modern-day resistance against the new populism.
This book explains the political ideas which underpin the modern world. But it is also something much more than that - it is a rallying cry for those who still believe in freedom and reason.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- TJPCrabfat
- 22-07-21
Makes Sense of so Much
This is a pretty masterful delineation of so many issues affecting societies today. Dunt untangles nationalism, liberalism, identity politics and various other social and political movements by moving through a history of liberalism. He makes relevant today, liberal ideas that have been blossoming for centuries. How to be a liberal is well worth listening to whether you're in need of a clarion call to liberalism or want to make sense of the western political and sociological landscape through a liberal lense.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- cenz
- 23-01-21
A call to arms
I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the state we are in, how we got there and why but this book has been a revelation. A comprehensive refutation of Nationalism and why Liberalism matters more than ever. Reading the last few chapters, covering recent events in Britain, Europe and the US, casts a very harsh light over our political systems and leaders that will make you want to start a liberal revolution yourself. I'll be recommending this book to everyone I care about (and quite a few I don't).
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Matthew
- 19-11-23
Liberal fair and good
Ian Dunt expresses perfectly what it is to be a liberal and its history. He raises its failures and its triumphs in a fair minded and one could say liberal manner.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daisy Welham
- 26-06-23
An important book
The title “How to Be a Liberal” is a little misleading- the book is less of a “How to” and more like “A History of Liberalism” but that’s my only criticism.
The book uses historical evidence to firstly explain the origins of liberalism and then secondly to justify why we need it to oppose nationalism, fascism, communism, and identity politics. It does this from an international perspective.
I bought this book hoping to have a stronger sense of where my politics lie, and this book does succeed in providing this. I still have criticisms of liberalism more generally, but not of this book in particular.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 10-02-24
Nationaiism and the horrors that it has created past present and God help us, Not the future.
The history of libral thought and influences on society from the English Civil War to present times. How the masses have been duped into accepting " let things be" and herded into tribalism (Nationism as opposed to Patriotism). Some of the chapters on the rise of Stalin and the Nazi's make very disturbing reading for anyone with a sence of compassion and empathy for their fellow humankind. Overall the importance of the individual and the freedom of expression and autonomy (within societal excepted norms) is the main message of the book ( from my understanding). Overall this book as helped me to define my own political leanings in a world of gross manipulation and downright evil perpetuated
by the current establishments
Ian's narration is excellent. Articulate and tonally easy on the ears and mind.
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- lillygirlstar
- 13-04-24
A must read
Well written and engaging. I really enjoyed the history elements of it, which highlighted humanities tendency to repeat the same pattern, and the need for the individual to think critically and the importance and need for liberalism in today's world.
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- Biker
- 10-04-21
An easy to follow and modern take on liberalism
A non academic overview of liberalism. I picked up the odd factual error, but this is a non academic text. Dunt rarely gets into polemic but it is a steady, relentless attack on authoritarianism and othering. Dunt doesn't have the tones of an actor but I think the book is best read by the author.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Bought it on Tinternet
- 20-01-22
A Tour de Force
A sweeping history of political thought from the English Civil War to the present day, taking in philosophy, economics, literature and nationalism on the way. The central concern is the concept of the individual and the practical implications of freedom. Read extremely well by the author; normally I listen to my audiobooks at 1.2x speed but went back down to 1.0 for this for its tight delivery of material that needs your full attention. Highly recommended.
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- MR D D HOLFORD
- 30-03-22
Brilliant.
At times quite hard work. Lots of history. But absolutely brilliant. I feel like it will take 2 or 3 listens to sink in.
I’m not sure it helps though! Being a ‘liberal’ is still bloody hard 🤣 Important point about the little conversations at the end. They matter, don’t let things slide because it is easy or diplomatic.
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- Lukasz
- 13-12-22
Amazing book
It’s detail and comprehensiveness impresses me and I am really glad I listened to it.
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