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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 52 votes)
5 stars
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52 reviews
July 15,2025
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An incredibly lucid and well-documented analysis of state systems and their complete blindness to their own bias, propaganda and hypocrisy. It is truly astonishing how state systems seem to turn a blind eye to their own flaws and misdeeds. The way they manipulate information and spread propaganda is a cause for great concern.


People often label Chomsky as a lefty, but this simplistic categorization fails to do justice to the depth and breadth of his work. His books are a must for anyone interested in critical thinking, skepticism and honesty. Chomsky's insights into the inner workings of state systems and the media are both profound and eye-opening.


By reading his books, one can gain a better understanding of the complex forces at play in our society and learn to question the status quo. Chomsky's work challenges us to think independently and to look beyond the surface-level propaganda that bombards us on a daily basis.

July 15,2025
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Don't Trust Intellectuals. (Good Advice!)

Intellectuals are often regarded as highly educated and knowledgeable individuals. However, it is important not to blindly trust them. Just because someone has a lot of academic degrees or is well-versed in a particular field does not mean they are always right or have the best interests at heart.

Intellectuals can have their own biases, agendas, and limitations. They may be influenced by personal beliefs, political affiliations, or the desire for recognition and success. Their ideas and theories may not always stand up to scrutiny or be applicable in the real world.

We should approach the opinions and ideas of intellectuals with a healthy dose of skepticism. We should question their assumptions, examine the evidence they present, and consider alternative perspectives. By doing so, we can make more informed decisions and avoid being misled by those who may claim to have all the answers.

In conclusion, while intellectuals can provide valuable insights and knowledge, we should not trust them blindly. We should use our own critical thinking skills and判断力 to evaluate their ideas and make up our own minds.
July 15,2025
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An excellent introduction to his thought,

which I used as a text in a seminar on Chomsky.

I had the opportunity to co-teach this seminar in the 90s with an anthropologist.

This text provided a comprehensive overview of Chomsky's ideas and theories.

It delved into his work on linguistics, cognitive science, and political philosophy.

The seminar participants found it extremely useful in understanding the complexity and breadth of Chomsky's thought.

We had in-depth discussions and analyzed various aspects of his work.

The collaboration with the anthropologist added a unique perspective to the seminar.

Together, we explored the intersections between linguistics and anthropology.

This introduction served as a valuable starting point for our exploration of Chomsky's ideas and their implications in different fields.
July 15,2025
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Mass Communications is a field that has become an integral part of our modern society.

It encompasses various aspects such as media, journalism, advertising, and public relations.

For those of us who work in and study Mass Communications, it is almost a necessity.

Working in this field allows us to have a significant impact on how information is disseminated and received.

We have the opportunity to shape public opinion, tell important stories, and promote products and services.

Moreover, studying Mass Communications equips us with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex and ever-evolving media landscape.

We learn about different communication theories, research methods, and media technologies.

This knowledge enables us to create effective communication strategies and produce high-quality content.

In conclusion, Mass Communications is not only a fascinating field but also a crucial one in today's world.

Whether we are working in it or studying it, it offers us numerous opportunities to make a difference and contribute to society.
July 15,2025
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The Chomsky Reader marks my initial foray into the profound thought of Chomsky.

The book consists of a collection of essays that delve into Political Philosophy and Current Events.

To be honest, I was rather unfamiliar with a significant portion of what Chomsky expounds upon.

Consequently, this book had the effect of infuriating me.

My perspective on foreign policy is that we should prioritize examining our own domestic issues first.

I firmly believe that the concept of being a "World Police" is utterly ridiculous.

We struggle to solve our own problems effectively, so how can we expect to impose our will and solutions on the rest of the world?

Despite my initial frustration, I must admit that this book is truly excellent.

It forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths and challenges our preconceived notions.

My only gripe is that the subject matter, which is so relevant and thought-provoking, had the unintended consequence of making me angry.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with Chomsky's ideas and hope to continue exploring his work in the future.
July 15,2025
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Scary.

The word itself sends shivers down our spines. It has the power to evoke intense feelings of fear and dread within us.

A scary situation can be anything that makes us feel vulnerable, threatened, or out of control. It could be a dark and lonely place, a strange noise in the night, or a creepy encounter with something unknown.

Scary things have the ability to stay with us long after the initial experience, haunting our thoughts and dreams. They can make our hearts race, our hands sweat, and our bodies tremble.

Whether it's a fictional horror story or a real-life event, the feeling of being scared is a universal human experience. It提醒s us of our mortality and the fragility of our existence.

But despite the discomfort and unease that comes with being scared, there is also a certain thrill and excitement. Some people actively seek out scary experiences, such as going to haunted houses or watching horror movies, because they enjoy the rush of adrenaline that comes with it.

In the end, being scared is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can have both positive and negative effects on our lives.
July 15,2025
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This has an awesome essay about the Spanish revolution and liberals who don't really believe in democracy.

The Spanish revolution was a complex and significant event in history. It brought about various changes and challenges.

Liberals, who are often associated with the idea of democracy, in this context, had a rather unexpected stance. They claimed to support certain ideals but their actions and beliefs seemed to deviate from the true essence of democracy.

The essay likely delves into the details of the revolution, exploring the different factions involved and their motives. It might also analyze the role of the liberals and how their lack of true belief in democracy affected the course of events.

By examining this topic, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish revolution and the complex nature of political ideologies.

It serves as a reminder that the relationship between ideology and action is not always straightforward and that we need to carefully analyze and question the beliefs and practices of different groups.

Overall, this awesome essay offers valuable insights into an important period of history and the role of liberals within it.
July 15,2025
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\\"If men were angels, there would be no need of laws.\\" Americans have never pretended to be angels, and he is just another individual disappointed by the reality that separates ideology from its proponents and reveals them as nothing more than fallible human beings.

I believe that Chomsky knows how to think, speak, and analyze brilliantly and incisively - although if he doesn't, I'm not going to finish this. However, if all he does is publicly criticize the US and its people, standing apart and passing judgment, then of course he is able to remain \\"relentlessly pursuing\\" what he sees, \\"never backing down.\\" The people who are awakened to social injustice and become burned out are those who invest themselves, in action, in the attempt and hope for change.

My working theory is that Chomsky didn't invest his hopes, so they weren't dashed. Critics are safe.

But it might be excellent reading material for improving my skimming ability: dense, interesting, and full of arguments. It can provide valuable insights and perspectives, challenging our own beliefs and forcing us to think more deeply about the complex issues facing our society.
July 15,2025
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Reading this book served as an affirmation of a firmly established principle within me.

If one vehemently disagrees with someone, it is advisable to read their book and make a genuine effort to understand their thought process. Only then can one truly make up their mind.

Chomsky is often dismissed as an iconoclastic far-left gadfly, an academic who has strayed far from his primary area of expertise, which is linguistics. One will not find a kind word about him in the National Review or perhaps even in the mainstream media.

Notwithstanding this, and coming from a traditional conservative/libertarian perspective, Chomsky is extremely intelligent and has a knack for framing an argument. Many of the essays in this book were written over 40 years ago, yet his comments were remarkably prescient. The problems he identified still persist today. He is one of those intellectuals with whom one may disagree, but whom one would never, ever want to debate. He is simply too well-read and informed.

This book probably merits a 4.5 rating, but admittedly, my own biases prevented me from bestowing this. Nevertheless, it is a most worthy read.
July 15,2025
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There's a vast amount of information and a rich history here.

It seems that there is so much to explore and discover. If I were to do my homework thoroughly, I'm sure I would gain a deeper understanding of it all.

I could research the various aspects, look into the details, and piece together the story that lies within this wealth of knowledge.

Perhaps I would find connections and patterns that I hadn't noticed before.

Doing my homework would allow me to immerse myself in this world of information and history, and come out with a more comprehensive and enlightened perspective.

It would be a journey of learning and growth, and I'm excited to take that step and see where it leads me.

July 15,2025
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This is perhaps the most depressing book ever written.

It delves deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of loss, despair, and hopelessness.

The author's vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling draw the reader in, making them feel as if they are experiencing the pain and suffering right along with the characters.

Each page is filled with a sense of dread and foreboding, as if something terrible is about to happen.

The book's conclusion is equally as depressing, leaving the reader with a sense of emptiness and a feeling that there is no hope for a better future.

Despite its depressing nature, however, this book is also a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that forces the reader to confront their own mortality and the harsh realities of life.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the importance of珍惜 life and finding meaning in the midst of苦难.
July 15,2025
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It's Chomsky, so you can roughly anticipate what to expect.

This book, or rather, this collection of essays, is intellectually challenging and has not endured the test of time well.

Chomsky is predominantly arguing against the mainstream positions prevalent during the time of writing, yet without truly elucidating what these mainstream views actually are.

Consequently, this book mainly consists of rebuttals, but there is no clear explanation of precisely what the views are that require refutation.

Apparently, you are supposed to know that, but I don't.

Chomsky also makes references to numerous minor political figures from the 1960s and 1970s. Some of them I am familiar with, but many of them are completely unknown to me.

So this, too, renders the text unnecessarily inaccessible.

Some of the essays have aged especially poorly, such as Chomsky's early essays covering the Khmer Rouge atrocities.

Information that emerged after these essays were written undermines Chomsky's thesis, but the casual reader would not be aware of this.

Finally, the writing style is dense and dry.

If the subject matter itself were captivating, I wouldn't mind, but that is not the case here.

I desired to like this book, but unfortunately, it is not a worthwhile read.
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