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Understanding Power

By: Noam Chomsky,John Schoeffel - editor,Peter R. Mitchell - editor
Narrated by: Robin Bloodworth
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Publisher's 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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Incredible breadth of knowledge and razor sharp intellect

The biggest problem we encounter when reading(?) audiobooks is the total quality of production. Contents of course, editing, narration, speed, voice....

This one is as good as it can get. Superb writing, obviously. Editors did a fantastic job organising his talks in a very accessible format.
And narration. Very comfortable to listen to. I like it a lot.

Thank you for creating this. Very educational and inspiring, that is, Noam Chomsky.

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insightful

Based on the situation 20 to 30 years. You can join the dots from then to now.

interesting thinking about the impact of social media subsequent to this book.

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very important

probably the most important book I've listened to in the last 7 years. they should teach some of this in school

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Perceptive and relevant even 30+ years later

Provides an essential framework through which more accurate 'pictures of the world' can be perceived.

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brilliant mind

Chomski's master-class in preparation and delivery of hard truths. Facts are much simpler than fiction and I love his "follow the money" approach. At the end of the day, the messages are simple - money is power and power must be preserved by all means.

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Must read for thinking people

This book is still relevant today and should be compulsory reading for every thinking person.

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Everyone should listen to this.

Excellently narrated. Proper eye opener and still highly relevant in 2020. Everyone should study the concepts contained in this book.

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Essential listening

I find Chomsky to be indispensable when confronted with the complexity of the modern world. In simple, falsifiable terms, he deconstructs the comforting myths that sustain our agency in hideous crimes, without ever forgetting that the participation of ordinary people is the only power that can and has ever made a difference.

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Incredible

Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to understand this subject or how Chomsky is and how he works

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Excellent book

Although the book is covering a period 20 to 30 years ago, it is still vital to understand today's power structure.

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