As Putin's war against Ukraine continues to unfold, and the world is gradually uncovering the years-long process of making the Ukrainian people an enemy of the Russian State, this book truly becomes a remarkable read or listen.

The ideology underlying this book is to prompt us to question the things that are not being disclosed, the aspects that were omitted from the article. Throughout the book, there are numerous historical examples where the public was deprived of the truth, leaving us completely unaware.

I firmly believe that this ideology holds great significance. It is essential to remain vigilant and engage in critical thinking. In a time when it appears that an increasing number of Americans are falling into the pattern of disliking one another, it is beneficial to be aware that none of us possess all the answers.

The audiobook is presented in the format of an interview. Although it is not my favored style of books, it seems to have functioned extremely well.

This format allows for a more engaging and interactive experience, as the interviewee's responses can provide additional insights and perspectives.

Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of important topics and serves as a reminder to always question and seek the truth.

I own a copy of this book, and I'm truly glad I do. This is the kind of book that not only deserves a reread but demands it. The title, "Propaganda and the Public Mind," is indeed quite descriptive. However, it's important to note that this book delves into a wide variety of topics. It's written in an interview form, which gives the reader a sense of conversing directly with Chomsky. The title isn't misleading, but there's far more to this book than just the theme of propaganda, crucial as it is to the overall narrative.

"Propaganda and the Public Mind" is a book that I will undoubtedly reread. I first reviewed it years ago on my old Goodreads profile, but I felt compelled to write about it again. This is because I haven't come across many similar books of the same caliber. What strikes me most about this book is its directness. Chomsky doesn't mince words or beat around the bush (and here's a pun that slipped in - Bush's politics are also analyzed in this book).

Propaganda surrounds us, whether we're aware of it or not. It constantly influences us, whether we notice or not. I can think of numerous interesting fields that can be connected to this book. In fact, it can serve as an excellent starting point for research. Chomsky appears to be a seeker of truth in this book, not the pleasant, politically correct truth, but the plain, unvarnished truth. He takes his thoughts to logical conclusions. For example, consider this quote: "We still name our military helicopter gunships after victims of genocide. Nobody bats an eyelash about that: Blackhawk. Apache. And Comanche. If the Luftwaffe named its military helicopters Jew and Gypsy, I suppose people would notice." Would people have noticed if Germany hadn't lost World War II? That's a question I'd also like to see answered. Does it always come down to the fact that history is written by the winners?

I remember what I thought when I first read this book - finally, an intellectual who truly thinks independently. There are many intelligent people out there who aren't really independent thinkers. Being an independent thinker sometimes seems more a matter of character than anything else. Some people have a high IQ but can't think independently to save their lives. This book feels like an independent opinion, and that's why I appreciate it so much. Written as a series of interviews focusing mainly on the important events of the 90s, with just a touch of linguistics at the end, this book is pure gold. It gets straight to the point (or rather, points, since it deals with different problems and comments on various events), and it's very easy to read.

When I say it's easy to read, I don't mean it's a light read. I simply mean that the information is presented in a coherent and logical manner. There's nothing lightweight about the themes it addresses. Moreover, this book is filled with information that I wasn't familiar with (and I thought I knew something about the topics covered). What I like most about "Propaganda and the Public Mind" is that it speaks about things I've been thinking about, issues that have been bothering me, and topics that I care about - it's just that I wasn't able to arrange them as clearly in my head or connect them in the way Chomsky does. The author speaks in such a simple and direct way that it's easy to follow, even when he jumps from one topic to another. Speaking of which, it's worth noting that not all the topics covered deal with public propaganda. This is a collection of interviews, and many topics are explored.

It's refreshing to see someone trying to grasp the complexity of 90s world politics (wars, conflicts, aggression, and all that was happening). There's so much simplification in the media and in general. It's truly refreshing to read a book that actually attempts to understand and explain the dynamics of world politics. Besides putting acts of violence into perspective and stripping them of ideological excuses, another important part of the book, in my view, is the handling of the issue of the loss of personal freedom. The power that different interest groups have over the world is growing, and the gap between the poor and the rich has never been greater in the course of human history. We have to ask ourselves, do we really live in a democracy?

To conclude, this is a highly relevant book for our time. It may speak about the (recent) past, but almost everything it discusses is still relevant today. We're all sometimes victims of propaganda. We all sometimes fail to see what's really going on, and sometimes it's incredibly hard to figure out what the truth is. Most media is owned by someone, it's increasingly difficult to believe any news reports, and world politics is getting more complex by the minute. That's why books like this can be so useful. Whether you agree with Chomsky or not, you have to admit that his thinking is always quite logical and his analysis is straight to the point.

One of the most outstanding Chomsky works that I have had the pleasure of reading so far. The title, to some extent, can be a bit misleading. This is because it is a compilation of interviews that encompasses a vast array of topics far beyond just propaganda. However, I assume this is an editorial choice. The book manages to capture Chomsky precisely at that moment in time when he was bravely speaking out about the atrocities in East Timor. By this, I mean the late-90s atrocities - it should be noted that he had also spoken out about the original mid-70s invasion and the associated atrocities when they took place. As a result, it serves as a PERFECT illustration of how a responsible intellectual behaves when they witness an injustice unfolding in the world. In other sections, he does an excellent job of highlighting the connections between "globalization" and imperialism, especially in relation to global financial markets. Therefore, in my opinion, it is also an essential read for those who are interested in economics and desire a critical perspective on these issues.

The original article is not provided. Please share the article you want me to rewrite and expand so that I can assist you further.

**Title: The Importance of Reading**

Reading is an essential activity that offers numerous benefits. It allows us to expand our knowledge, improve our vocabulary, and enhance our cognitive abilities.

When we read, we are exposed to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives, which broadens our understanding of the world. It also helps us to relax and unwind, reducing stress and anxiety.

Moreover, reading is a great way to improve our writing skills. By observing how authors construct sentences, develop plots, and create characters, we can learn valuable techniques that we can apply to our own writing.

In addition, reading can have a positive impact on our mental health. It can boost our self-esteem, increase our empathy, and improve our overall well-being.

In conclusion, reading is an essential part of our lives. It is a powerful tool that can help us to learn, grow, and become better individuals. So, make sure to set aside some time each day for reading and enjoy the many benefits that it has to offer.

When I first picked up this book, it felt extremely dry.

All the chapters consist of the interviews that Chomsky conducted with David Barsamian. Initially, I struggled to connect with what he was discussing. I put it down and then picked it up again after some time. Miraculously, I was then able to understand what he was trying to convey. The interviews took place in 1998 - 99 and 2000, that is, before the dawn of the 21st century. Some of his predictions have proven to be correct, notably the privacy issue on the Web, which is quite remarkable. It would be fascinating to read his current thoughts on many of those issues and the world-changing events that have occurred since then, such as 9/11, the Internet, and social media.

In the chapter “US to the World : Get Out of The Way”, Chomsky presents evidence of how the US has exploited world institutions. There seem to be different standards for other nations and for the US. The US simply ignores international conventions and treaties and does as it pleases. Chomsky points out that it was part of a conscious strategy under Reagan’s administration to develop a violent and aggressive image for the country.

He also highlights how the US initially supplied arms and weapons to regimes that used them to suppress the opposition in their respective countries. Later, the US targeted those regimes under the pretext of human rights violations when it was convenient. He notes that if you look at the list of US aid recipients, you will find that all the countries are major human rights violators, such as Iraq, Libya, Haiti, Indonesia, and Nicaragua.

Furthermore, the US has engaged in biological and chemical warfare while eliminating its enemies. By destroying sewage plants, hospitals, and water treatment plants, the populations of the affected countries were exposed to various diseases and hardships. This was particularly evident in the Vietnam War, where Agent Orange was used on a large scale, resulting in widespread deformities in future generations. In Laos, landmines were scattered throughout the country, and they continued to claim the lives of innocent children long after the war ended. The US did not even agree to provide technical expertise to detect and defuse these forgotten time bombs.

Overall, the US's approach on the international stage was one of complete disregard for widely accepted practices, flouting them based on what served its own interests better.

In the book, Chomsky also discusses how the phrase “human intervention” has been blatantly misused as a pretext for military action against a country. He gives the examples of East Timor and Yugoslavia, where the major powers (the US and NATO) intervened with disastrous consequences. The interventions destabilized the countries, and they never provided aid for their recovery. For instance, in Kosovo, cluster bombs and landmines were used, but the US did not offer expertise for the cleanup after the military intervention was over.

Chomsky essentially argues that there are very few positive examples of “humanitarian intervention,” with the exception of India’s war with Pakistan, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh (although he disappointingly uses the word “invasion”).

Another consistent pattern is that the human rights violations resulting from intervention are never reported in the media, let alone tried in a war tribunal.

Chomsky also makes an interesting comparison between Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein. Einstein is often praised in the mainstream for his stance against nuclear weapons and the Nazi party. However, Chomsky offers a different perspective. Both Russell and Einstein signed statements against the adoption of nuclear weapons. But while Einstein returned to his research, Russell continued his struggle on the streets, raising awareness about the issue. In Chomsky’s words, Einstein did not cause much of a stir, but Russell tried to take action. As a result, Russell was viciously attacked by the NYT and others, disregarded as a public intellectual, and considered a crazy madman.

This serves as a good reminder of how going against the mainstream narrative can limit your possibilities and opportunities. Perhaps it explains why so many celebrities do not use their powerful platforms to speak the truth.

This chapter also includes a discussion about India, its economic growth, and how the US is changing its policies towards it (circa 1990s). Interestingly, Chomsky describes India’s landmark 1991 reforms as subordinating the country to the corporate-dominated globalization system. In a way, he is not far off the mark.

Few highlights from this book were:

#1 You shouldn’t believe what I am saying is true. The footnotes are there, so you can find out if you feel like it, but if you don’t want to bother, nothing can be done. Nobody is going to pour truth into your brain. It’s something you have to find out for yourself.

#2 We should not become a society where we are just obsessed with ourselves and do not worry about the elderly person starving on the street.

#3 Road to Privatization:

i) Make the system malfunction (by underfunding)

ii) Generate popular support to hand it over to the corporate sector.

A short read but an important message of breaking through propaganda.

In today's information age, propaganda has become a common phenomenon. It can be found everywhere, in the media, in politics, and even in our daily lives. Propaganda is often used to influence people's opinions and behaviors, and it can be very powerful.

However, it is important to be able to break through propaganda and see the truth. This requires critical thinking and the ability to analyze information. We need to question the sources of information, look for evidence, and consider different perspectives.

By breaking through propaganda, we can make more informed decisions and avoid being misled. We can also better understand the world around us and contribute to a more rational and just society.

So, the next time you encounter propaganda, remember to think critically and break through it. It may be a short read, but the message is crucial.

This is a very thought-provoking compilation of his interviews on the subject.

It offers a deep and detailed look into his perspectives and ideas.

The interviews cover a wide range of topics related to the subject, providing valuable insights and food for thought.

Readers will find themselves engaged and challenged by his words, as they are forced to consider different viewpoints and approaches.

The compilation is not only informative but also entertaining, as his charisma and charm shine through in his responses.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject or in gaining a better understanding of his thoughts and ideas.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this compilation is sure to offer something of value.

It is a testament to his knowledge and expertise, and a great resource for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the subject.

Great book. Dr. Chomsky has a clear, intelligent speaking style. His words are like a bright light shining in the darkness, guiding us to see the truth. Unfortunately, I think his purpose of speaking out is misunderstood. I've had friends refer to him as "Anti-American" (something Noam addresses in this book) among other colorful "traitor" comparisons. But he's nothing of the sort. In fact, exactly the opposite. If you think about the message that he's sending, it's that we have all of this information available, in a country where our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech - something not enjoyed by many other countries. Yet, most of us choose to walk around zombie-like and brainwashed with the lies and half-truths our elected leaders (and business leaders) feed us daily. Noam isn't a hacker or a CIA insider. The information he "exposes" is available to all of us if we know where to look. He even uses the phrase, "You can read this for yourselves" often in his speeches. Noam Chomsky is telling people to think about what they're being told - consider the source and the intentions of the source. He is a true advocate for critical thinking and a better understanding of the world around us.

Barsamian is extremely inept as an interviewer.

He fails to pursue any meaningful line of questioning.

As a result, the interview may lack depth and substance.

On the other hand, Chomsky's commentary is indeed laudable.

However, it is better captured in other interview books.

For example, "Understanding Power" provides a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Chomsky's ideas.

Readers who are interested in Chomsky's views may find this book more satisfying.

In conclusion, while Barsamian's interview may have some value, it is not the best source for understanding Chomsky's commentary.

Readers should look to other interview books for a more complete and accurate picture.

There have been several interviews that shed light on some rather unfortunate events that have taken place in a distant land. Interestingly, America has had a role to play in these happenings. These interviews offer a unique perspective on the situation, delving into the details of what exactly occurred and how America's actions or influence contributed. It is essential to understand these events as they have far-reaching consequences not only for the people of that particular land but also for the international community as a whole. By examining these interviews, we can gain a better understanding of the complex web of relationships and actions that led to these bad situations. This knowledge can then be used to make more informed decisions in the future and hopefully prevent similar events from happening again.

I would idolize Chomsky if I didn’t know how much he’d hate it.

The basic takeaway I got from this book is to not trust the corporate new media or believe the idealist rhetoric of the US or international organizations like the UN and IMF.

The US’s actions at home and abroad seem to be more Machiavellian than those of a benevolent global police force in Chomsky’s telling.

He presents a scathing critique of the power structures and their manipulation of information.

All in all, I think Chomsky is a man with principles and a clear-eyed ability to see how those principles are being upheld by those in power.

The answer is they are being upheld very poorly.

Those less diligent and more willing to believe the convenient manipulations of media, like yours truly, can learn a great deal from his approach.

His work challenges us to question the status quo and look beyond the surface-level narratives presented by the mainstream.

It forces us to think critically about the true motives and actions of those in positions of power.

Chomsky's ideas may be controversial, but they are essential for a more informed and democratic society.