This is a truly remarkable introduction to Chomsky's early(ish) political commentary.

To be more specific, it mainly consists of his incisive remarks on the United States' utilization of political and military power during the 1960s.

Even though the particular subject matter belongs to a bygone era, it remains a highly valuable contribution.

Chomsky's analysis during that time provides us with crucial insights into the complex dynamics of power and politics.

His words offer a lens through which we can better understand the historical context and the implications of the actions taken by the United States during that period.

Despite the passage of time, the significance of his commentary endures, serving as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and informed analysis in understanding the world around us.

A book that is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about Chomsky. This book delves into several key aspects of Chomsky's thoughts regarding linguistics, international politics, and the media.

Chomsky is a renowned figure in the fields of linguistics and beyond. His ideas have had a profound impact on how we understand language and its role in society. In this book, readers will gain valuable insights into his theories and perspectives on linguistics.

Furthermore, the book explores Chomsky's views on international politics. He has been a vocal critic of many aspects of global power dynamics and has offered thought-provoking analyses of various political issues. By reading this book, readers can better understand Chomsky's stance on these matters.

Finally, the book examines Chomsky's ideas about the media. He has long been concerned about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and has criticized its biases and limitations. This book provides a comprehensive overview of his thoughts on this important topic.

Nature or nurture? This age-old debate has long intrigued scholars and researchers.

Those who firmly believe in the existence of a 'linguistics faculty' in the human brain should definitely read this book.

The book delves deep into the complex relationship between nature and nurture when it comes to language acquisition.

It presents compelling evidence and arguments that challenge our traditional understanding of how we learn and use language.

By exploring various theories and studies, the author offers a fresh perspective on whether language is an innate ability hardwired into our brains or a result of environmental influences and learning.

Reading this book will not only expand your knowledge on the topic but also make you question your own beliefs about the nature of language and the role of the human brain in language development.

So, if you are interested in linguistics and the fascinating question of nature vs. nurture, don't miss out on this thought-provoking book.

I was presented with this by a professor and mentor, and I postponed reading it for a few months. After graduating, I had fallen out of the habit of reading. It was extremely challenging to engage with such a dense book after being out of practice. It took me a considerable amount of time to truly get into the rhythm of reading it. However, once it all made sense, I really relished the reading experience.

Although, due to the book's structure and the selections made by James Peck, I noticed that it became repetitive, particularly in the third part which discusses US Foreign Policy.

I believe that there is value in almost every piece of writing within this book. That being said, unless you have a particular interest in Chomsky or the subject matter, you can be somewhat selective about which sections you read at any given time. For me, there were several sections that stood out during this first reading. These included: the interview, 'objectivity and liberal scholarship,' 'Language and Freedom,' 'At War with Asia,' and 'Rejectionism and Accommodation' (the last one in part because of the ongoing terror in Gaza).

Chomsky is a thinker whom I hold in high regard, not only because of his profound insights but also because stumbling upon his talks and ideas as a teenager (apart from an incomplete reading of "Failed States," I had only seen videos of his talks) was fundamental to my early political development. This book was, of course, very interesting to me, especially the interview, as it provided me with an opportunity to learn more about Chomsky himself. Much of what I had seen of him was from a later period as well (this book was published in 1987), so it was also fascinating to see his earlier work.

When there’s only one lifeboat left, it’s best not to shoot the bottom full of holes. Nuff said?

You know, in June 1981 I did just that - I shot the daylights out of my life raft. As if I had a death wish?

Admittedly, I had. As a coddled senior citizen I now prefer easy listening fare on Spotify, though when I shift to modern jazz, my monstrous inner self-hatred rears its head and tells me point blank that my imminent death renders my comfort useless.

In June of 1981 my mom was dying. Type four lung cancer. No exit.

Tell me, do any of us really have a one hundred percent proven strategy for staring death in the face? No. We’ll all face that mountain when we have to! Doesn’t that about say it all?

I was reading Chomsky back then, though - he was my death wish personified. So under the pressure of losing my mom - combined with this reading - I started to see my psychological superstructure crack!

As it would that month.

***

My mind still had some health in it, though, a few days before that crack appeared. My career seemed blocked because a junior programmer had caught the fancy of my section head. My coffee buddies routinely bad-mouthed the pair, so I was tarred with their brush by implication.

I would be filing my property records till judgment day, it seemed!

It was a mere job.

I was in an anarchistic mood. So I picked up this book. But by expanding my frustration, the only release it gave me was in megalomania, the up side of my bipolarity.

Seeing and sympathizing with my blocked rage, Bob, my supervisor, suggested a day off. I took him up on it, and so next day, I visited Parliament Hill to relax. It was a gorgeous day, after all, and the Tulip Festival was on…

But it was to be a disaster for me.

Arriving at the Hill, I realized parliament was in session. Why not line up for the visitors gallery? So I did.

But, once there, I made an utter ass of myself!

Immersed in the Chomsky Reader, I was taking notes quietly in the gallery when two Americans parked immediately behind me. Funny, they seemed to be talking about me.

Obviously I needed meds. But my shrink had said I didn't need them.

Famous last words...

In a huff, I noisily exited the gallery. I walked back to Elgin Street and went for a snack at the Party Palace.

There, a foreign gentleman came on to me. All the day's events became interlaced by my paranoia. It was circus time.

***

On Canada Day, July 1st, I was admitted to hospital for a short rest. I needed it now, of course.

Once released, I returned to work, my moods properly nullified.

There on my desk was a letter from Personnel. I was being promoted. My free ticket out of property records!

And even though my toxic coffee buddies now laughed at me, a loony -

I no longer really cared!

(To tell the truth, I only smiled, for I was free of them.)

Ready to be a Supply Manager -

An honest job with honest work.

Noam Chomsky is an extraordinary figure. He is like a pioneer attempting to measure the unfathomable depth of the ocean. He is a contemporary intellectual par excellence, with no one able to stand in his way. Renowned as the modern father of Linguistics, his studies extend beyond language to encompass profound questions of war and peace. He has meticulously analyzed the most complex aspects of human intelligence.

His book 'Manufacturing Consent' is truly a masterpiece. It uncovers the fundamental radical coherency of his world view, ranging from his highly influential critiques of America's actions in Vietnam to his perspectives on Nicaragua and Central America today. Chomsky's bold challenges to the commonly accepted wisdom regarding Israel and the Palestinians have sparked intense controversy in America.

No one has dissected the nature of the cold war consensus and its benefits to the two superpowers more vividly, nor has anyone argued more thoughtfully for a shared elitist ethos in both liberalism and communism. He has logically exposed America's vaunted freedoms as disguising irresponsible power and unjust privilege, and passionately argued that the "free press" is part of a stifling conformity that permeates every facet of American intellectual life. I am deeply impressed by his incisive analysis of the crucial issues that shape our world.

Everything about Chomsky is truly remarkable and captivating, yet actually delving into his works can be a bit of a challenge.

I mean, it's not that it's bad, but currently, I'm finding it difficult to immerse myself in the political landscape of Nicaragua in the mid-80s, which he often writes about.

So, I decided to give his linguistics material a try. Oh boy, that was an experience!

However, despite these difficulties, there's no denying that he is an absolute genius.

His ideas and theories have had a profound impact on various fields, and his contributions are truly invaluable.

Even if I struggle to fully understand and engage with some of his works, I still have the utmost respect for his intellect and the significance of his research.

Chomsky's work continues to inspire and influence generations of scholars and thinkers, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.

One of the approximately five books that I have truly felt a great deal of pride in reading, yet not fully comprehended and appreciated.

It contains an abundance of information, numerous accusations, and some evidence.

The reason it is difficult to read is simply because it challenges everything you already know, accept, and consider as American foreign policy.

At least, that's the way it was for me.

I read this book in conjunction with "What's the Matter with Kansas?".

Together, they offer a unique perspective on various aspects of American society and its policies.

The combination of these two works provides a more comprehensive understanding and allows for a deeper exploration of the complex issues at hand.

It makes one question the status quo and forces a reevaluation of long-held beliefs and assumptions.

Overall, reading these books has been an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.

In all the reviews I've perused regarding Chomsky's work, I have yet to encounter a legitimate refutation of any of his points. This further validates all the fury, outrage, and shame that I invariably experience when reading him. The facts he uncovers through his unwavering research and comprehensive articles/books are simply irrefutable.

The term "vital" is the most fitting to describe both the man and his work. It is of utmost importance to us as U.S. citizens first and foremost, and secondly to the rest of the world's population. He is a global treasure, and I'm already dreading the day he is no longer among us. Filling his shoes will be an enormous task.

I have only read "Necessary Illusions" (see my review). This book may cover more ground, perhaps in a more superficial manner, and might recycle some of that material. However, can one read this kind of stuff too many times? Truly, one needs to reread and reread again until it becomes deeply ingrained, until one can recite it, until it becomes a part of one's daily life. Because none of it should ever be forgotten. We must always be aware of the kind of world we are living in, or rather, whose world it is.

My favorite sections were "Responsibility of Intellectuals" and "Central America." If you can only read one essay from the entire book, it should be "Intervention in Vietnam and Central America: Parallels and Differences," which encapsulates nearly everything significant he has to say about the two continents, as well as the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy, and propaganda.

Yes, his writing may be dry, which is perhaps the only legitimate criticism one can level at him. But getting overly concerned about his writing style is absurd if one takes even a moment to consider the content he presents. Seriously, people, what is more important here: the continuous, systematic killing of millions of innocents by the world's most powerful superpower, or the fact that the only person writing about it doesn't make it more engaging?

In recommending Chomsky, I don't really care if you read this particular book or not. Sure, why not? It's as good a starting point as any. Some people have suggested that his interviews/speeches are more accessible, so perhaps one could begin there. Just read something of his, for goodness sake, because this information should already be common knowledge.

Not Bad Reviews.

@pointblaek

LANGUAGE AND [UN]FREEDOM.

Language is a powerful tool that can both liberate and oppress. It is not, as the Cold Warriors might have sought, something that is always "clearer than truth." In fact, plain speech critiques can often be more concrete and effective in getting to the heart of an issue.

When we use language, we have the ability to shape the way people think and perceive the world around them. We can use it to promote freedom and equality, or we can use it to spread lies and misinformation. It is up to us to choose how we use this powerful tool.

In a world where information is constantly being bombarded at us from all sides, it is more important than ever to be able to think critically and analyze the language that we are being presented with. We need to be able to see through the propaganda and the spin, and get to the real truth.

By using plain speech critiques and being more concrete in our language, we can help to promote a more informed and enlightened society. We can break down the barriers of miscommunication and misunderstanding, and build a more just and equitable world for all.

Always thought-provoking and intensely articulate. This description truly captures the essence of something remarkable. It implies that whatever is being referred to has the power to stimulate deep thinking and express ideas with great clarity and precision. Thought-provoking content challenges our perspectives, makes us question our assumptions, and encourages us to explore new ideas. It has the ability to engage our minds and leave a lasting impact.

Intense articulation, on the other hand, means that the expression of these thoughts is done with passion and conviction. The words are carefully chosen and presented in a way that is both engaging and persuasive. This combination of thought-provoking and articulate qualities is truly a rare and valuable one. It can inspire others, start meaningful conversations, and even lead to positive change.

Whether it is a piece of writing, a speech, or a work of art, being always thought-provoking and intensely articulate is a quality that sets it apart from the ordinary. It invites us to look beyond the surface, to think deeply, and to engage with the ideas being presented. It is a quality that we should all strive for in our own communication and creative endeavors.

This book is truly extremely eye-opening.

It presents a wealth of information about the world, which showcases Chomsky's brilliance.

However, it is not very readable.

As it is a collection of older articles, a significant portion of the material is out-of-date.

Nonetheless, it is interesting from a historical perspective.

Personally, I believe that his newer writings are much more approachable compared to the older ones.

The older stuff may require more effort to understand and may not be as relevant in today's context.

But this book still has its value in providing insights into Chomsky's earlier thoughts and the historical backdrop against which they were developed.

It can serve as a useful reference for those interested in studying his work or gaining a deeper understanding of the world at that time.

Overall, while not without its flaws, this book is still a worthwhile read for those who are willing to invest the time and effort.