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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 52 votes)
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52 reviews
July 15,2025
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An interesting fellow indeed. There are some topics that I'll definitely have to study more thoroughly.

I have a page filled with titles lifted from the notes section, and a bookmark in the notes section simply stating "everything on this chapter."

The examination of twentieth-century events is truly very interesting, especially those involving U.S. wars and indigenous economic improvement. There are also a couple of chapters dedicated to the mind and language.

If you're not firmly attached to the idea that your own country must always be seen as the great Goodguy by everyone, this book can be quite illuminating. It raises some fascinating Cold War points. Essentially, each superpower pointed to the threat of the other superpower as an excuse to justify its own local grabs for power.

A major theme throughout the book is that ideology is shaped to benefit those in power, and this doesn't necessarily mean those in elected positions. Ideological blinders are so widespread that they are often invisible to those whose decisions are influenced by them.

Perhaps my favorite point in the entire book is found in the first part, the interview. Chomsky asserts that regular people are actually smart enough to understand and judge world political situations. It only requires the same degree of sense as shown in any detailed discussion of sports. However, they don't do so because the system is not designed for them to have much decision-making power. As a result, those interested in using their minds are inclined to limit that to more enjoyable things like sports. This really reflects my own belief that intelligence is mostly a matter of interest.

All in all, this book is well worth reading and thinking about. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can challenge our existing beliefs and ways of thinking.
July 15,2025
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This article presents a thought-provoking yet somewhat sad view of power and "libertarian socialism."

It is an older book, but it remains a remarkable review of Chomsky's thought and offers great insights into the world.

The author delves deep into the complex nature of power, analyzing how it is wielded and the implications it has on society.

The concept of "libertarian socialism" is explored, presenting an alternative vision of a more just and equal society.

Despite being an older work, the book's ideas are still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of power and inequality.

It serves as a reminder that there are different ways of thinking about and approaching these problems, and that we should strive to understand and consider alternative perspectives.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in Chomsky's thought or in gaining a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
July 15,2025
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Always rereading this book, I find new insights and details every time. It's a captivating piece of literature that never fails to engage me. The storylines are rich and the characters are well-developed, making it a truly immersive experience. I have recommended this book to many people, and I always reread it before doing so. This allows me to share my thoughts and enthusiasm more effectively, and to point out the aspects that I think will resonate with them. Rereading also helps me to appreciate the author's writing style and techniques, and to understand the deeper themes and messages of the book. In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves good literature, and I will continue to reread it and recommend it to others.

July 15,2025
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Great stuff!



This statement indicates that the material being referred to is of high quality.



However, it is also noted that a significant portion of the content can be found online.



The website www.chomsky.info is provided as a reference where this online content can be accessed.



This suggests that while the original material may be valuable, there is an opportunity for readers to explore further and gain additional knowledge by visiting the mentioned website.



It also implies that the availability of information online has made it more accessible to a wider audience.



Overall, it is important to consider both the original material and the online resources to fully understand and appreciate the subject matter.
July 15,2025
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This is incredibly valuable work.

It holds great significance and importance in various aspects.

The efforts put into this work have led to remarkable results that can have a profound impact.

The value it brings cannot be overstated.

It has the potential to open up new opportunities, solve complex problems, and contribute to the progress and development of many fields.

The dedication and hard work of those involved in this work are truly admirable.

Their commitment has made it possible to achieve such outstanding outcomes.

This valuable work serves as a source of inspiration and a model for others to follow.

It shows what can be accomplished through perseverance, innovation, and a passion for making a difference.

We should recognize and appreciate the value of this work and look forward to seeing its continued success and positive influence.
July 15,2025
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You know,

I really hate to admit it, but Chomsky can be a rather dull read.

Certainly, it's difficult to dispute his positions that are the result of tireless research.

However, he fails to capture the reader's engagement.

I have the impression that Chomsky's theses are simply rehashed in response to every new current event and compiled in each new book.

I would perhaps be more inclined to read a book by another author who discusses his positions.

This way, I could gain a different perspective on his ideas and hear them presented in a different voice.

You know what I mean?

It would offer a fresh take on Chomsky's work and might make it more interesting and engaging for me as a reader.
July 15,2025
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In today's digital age, having a good understanding of various media platforms and communication technologies is

almost a necessity for any of us who work in and study Mass Communications.

The field of Mass Communications is constantly evolving, with new forms of media emerging and traditional media adapting to the changing landscape.

For those working in this field, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies to effectively communicate with audiences.

Students of Mass Communications also need to have a solid foundation in media studies, journalism, advertising, and public relations to prepare for a career in this dynamic field.

Whether you are a professional or a student, having a comprehensive understanding of Mass Communications is crucial for success in today's media-saturated world.

It allows us to navigate the complex media environment, create engaging content, and build meaningful connections with our audiences.

Therefore, we should all strive to continuously learn and improve our skills in Mass Communications to stay relevant and competitive in this exciting field.
July 15,2025
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I'm seriously not a fan of this guy.

On one hand, I think I like his politics, but I'm not entirely sure.

On the other hand, he is also like Mike Moore and a bit sensational. In order to achieve that, he plays fast and loose with the facts.

For example, he quotes the bayonet as the number one killer in WWI. However, the effect of the bayonet is largely psychological. Soldiers usually run away before they stand around to get speared in the gut with it.

Anyway, his facts are verifiably wrong on this point. And if these facts are incorrect, then everything else he says is now suspect.

We should always be critical consumers of information and not blindly accept what someone says, especially when their facts are in question.
July 15,2025
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Okay, so I'll come back to this one.

I can only read one depressing non-fiction book at a time.

It's like my mind can only handle so much heaviness before it starts to feel overwhelmed.

Sometimes, these books offer valuable insights and perspectives, but they also have the power to bring me down.

I find myself getting lost in the details and emotions of the stories, and it can be a real struggle to pull myself out.

But still, I keep coming back for more.

Maybe it's because I'm a glutton for punishment, or maybe it's because I truly believe that there's something to be learned from even the most depressing of books.

Either way, I know that I'll continue to read these types of books, one at a time, and hope that I can find some sort of meaning or inspiration within them.

July 15,2025
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Chomsky is an understandably upset man.

Universal grammar may seem rather lame to him. However, what's even worse is that Western academics, the American Press, and the American government engage in significant amounts of disinformation, not only among themselves but also towards the American people.

This book is a compilation of essays that does a fairly good job of highlighting the instances of U.S. support for human rights-abusing regimes and also points out some probable areas of hypocrisy on the part of the U.S. and mainstream academics.

The cynicism expressed in the book somewhat clouds its believability when it comes to truly explaining the complex dynamics behind some of the decision-making processes in the government.

Perhaps, on the other hand, I am just being naive in my assessment.

Nonetheless, Chomsky's views and the content of this book do raise important questions and challenges that deserve serious consideration and further exploration.
July 15,2025
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The Ultimate Chomsky

This remarkable collection of essays can be categorized into three main rubrics. These rubrics also represent the three major concerns of his work as a public intellectual.

First, the role of intellectuals, particularly how they serve power. Second, (rare) speculation on what humans are and in what kind of society we can best thrive. Third, the crimes of the world's most powerful state during our lifetimes, which is his own state.

Some of the notable highlights include his perspective on the Spanish civil war, where the tacit alliance between liberals, Communists, and fascists destroyed the anarchist revolution before they turned on each other. There is also the brutal takedown that ended Skinner's behaviorism, and an overlooked yet brilliant essay on equality.

Chomsky is indeed one of the greatest minds of our times. His enduring themes are derived from some obvious, intuitive, and elementary moral judgments that all humans can make, although few possess his intellectual capabilities.

I first encountered a quote from David Hume about Isaac Newton being "a greatest and rarest genius that ever arose for the ornament and instruction of the species" in a Chomsky essay. To me, that quote is equally fitting for Noam Chomsky.
July 15,2025
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I don't recall which author recommended the essay "The Responsibility of Intellectuals" which is part of this book. But although it was an author I respect, I was let down.

The essay is divided into three sections. The first is also called "The Responsibility of Intellectuals". It extensively discussed the Vietnam War, citing many lies by US government spokesmen about the causes and conduct of the war. However, Chomsky was dishonest, claiming the war was an American invasion when South Vietnam had been invaded by North Vietnam to assist the Viet Cong guerrilla warfare. Most importantly, the essay didn't state what he thought the responsibility of intellectuals was.

The second essay, "Objectivity and Liberal Scholarship", looked at the Spanish Civil War and Gabriel Jackson's book, which won an award in 1966. Chomsky called it a good example of liberal scholarship but said the author's bias caused misrepresentation and overlooking of major events and historical currents, without citing them. He then critiqued the power of Robert McNamara. In short, this essay didn't discuss liberal scholarship or objectivity.

The third essay, "The Manufacture of Consent", after asking if native Americans consented to settlement, discussed US involvement in Central America, Vietnam, and elsewhere, and the media's lack of opposition to government policy. Chomsky mentioned the lack of Soviet media criticism of the Afghan invasion. Overall, the tone was that the US is as bad as or worse than the USSR. This essay presented examples of questionable US foreign policy and lack of media criticism, but lacked a strong narrative to match its title.

Given my disappointment with these three essays, I was disinclined to finish the book. Coincidentally, I started reading "Christopher Hitchens and His Critics", where Chomsky refused to let his criticisms be reprinted, further reducing my estimation of his integrity.
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