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Our Own Worst Enemy

The Assault from Within on Modern Democracy

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Our Own Worst Enemy

By: Tom Nichols
Narrated by: Tom Nichols
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About this listen

Over the past three decades, citizens of democracies who claim to value freedom, tolerance, and the rule of law have increasingly embraced illiberal politicians and platforms. Democracy is in trouble - but who is really to blame?

In Our Own Worst Enemy, Tom Nichols challenges the current depictions of the rise of illiberal and antidemocratic movements in the United States and elsewhere as the result of the deprivations of globalization or the malign decisions of elites. Rather, he places the blame for the rise of illiberalism on the people themselves. Nichols traces the illiberalism of the 21st century to the growth of unchecked narcissism, rising standards of living, global peace, and a resistance to change. Ordinary citizens, laden with grievances, have joined forces with political entrepreneurs who thrive on the creation of rage rather than on the encouragement of civic virtue and democratic cooperation. While it will be difficult, Nichols argues that we need to defend democracy by resurrecting the virtues of altruism, compromise, stoicism, and cooperation - and by recognizing how good we've actually had it in the modern world.

©2021 Oxford University Press (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Political Science Politics & Government United States World Capitalism Socialism Modern Liberal
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insightful, clearly argued and read by the author ... loved it! what impresses me with Tom Nichols work (The Death of Expertise is excellent!) is his ability to capture the central elements of his themes and make them both informative and entertaining. The central hypotheses of this book is something I've meditated upon a lot over the past 3 years and to hear it being made public by such a talented and thought-provoking writer is both comforting and scary.
The future is ours to shape ... let's try and make it better for everybody ...

Yes We Are!

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great book, great narration, timely and important ideas that everyone should be aware of, regardless of their personal politics

Essential reading/listening

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