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The Machiavellians

Defenders of Freedom

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About this listen

 This classic work of political theory and practice offers an account of the modern Machiavellians, a remarkable group who have been influential in Europe and practically unknown in the United States. The book devotes a long section to Machiavelli himself as well as to such modern Machiavellians as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels and Vilfredo Pareto. Burnham contends that the writings of these men hold the key both to the truth about politics and to the preservation of political liberty.©1943 James Burnham (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Logic & Language Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Socialism Liberalism Capitalism Soviet Union Taxation Middle Ages Russia

Critic reviews

"Burnham is the greatest political analyst of our century and this is his best book." ( National Review, 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the Century)
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Great Book !
It does really put politics's and society's relationship in comprehensible perspective for a average human being.
This book should be read in high school before 18 or before someone is allowed to vote.
Thank you.

society and politics

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Certain ideas presented in the book ring true and are worth noting. In particular: the impossibility of true Democracy, the Rulers and the Ruled. Other ideas, to me, seem unnecessarily convoluted or not especially useful.

Some ideas are valuable

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I will need to return to the book again in the future as it's a lot to take in, still digesting some of the information a day on. I'm coming away from the book enlightened some what but really need to research parts myself.
Definitely worth the listen especially if you are interested in politics.

A real grind but worth it

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Absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in the nature of the political animal and how the world actually works.

Most important book on politics

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I have heard of some of these concepts before but this book does great job of picking through the works with later real world examples.

Fascinating history.

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