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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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My childhood visions of America the Good are forever shredded.

It's truly disheartening to see how the ideals I once held dear have been shattered. Noam Chomsky, on the other hand, is an incredibly wise man.

He shows a level of concern for the poor that is rare among most people. His compassion and understanding for those less fortunate are truly remarkable.

Power and privilege, however, have a way of blinding people. They make individuals lose sight of the real issues and the needs of others.

It's a sad reality that we often see those in positions of power using their influence for their own gain rather than for the betterment of society.

Chomsky's work serves as a reminder that we should always strive to see beyond the surface and look at the bigger picture.

We need to be more aware of the inequalities and injustices that exist in our world and do our part to make a positive change.

Only then can we hope to restore some of the faith and optimism that I once had in America the Good.
July 15,2025
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This series of interviews given by Chomsky between March 2003 and February 2005 is truly remarkable.

It encompasses a wide variety of familiar yet by no means exhausted topics.

Chomsky, with his characteristic insightfulness, erudition, and often disturbingly prescient views, offers a wealth of thought-provoking perspectives.

His ability to cut through the noise and present fundamental truths is truly astonishing.

As I like to think of it, it's simply a matter of so much common sense that is often overlooked or ignored.

These interviews serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues of our time and the role that language and power play within them.

They challenge us to think critically and question the status quo, and in doing so, they offer the potential for real change and progress.

Overall, this series of interviews is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

July 15,2025
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Exceptionally eye-opening! This is my first book on imperialism, and I truly feel fucking worthy of celebration! I'm certain it won't be my last.

The discussion of the Iranian coup was extremely interesting and it led me down a separate spiral of thought. I must express my gratitude to Chomsky for that.

The interview-style makes reading the book incredibly easy, and yet it is not overly redundant as one might expect. Chomsky is, without a doubt, a talented writer, speaker, and thinker.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested and perhaps a bit nervous about learning about U.S. foreign policy, imperialism, and the like. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can broaden one's understanding of these complex and important topics.

Overall, I'm very impressed with this book and look forward to exploring more of Chomsky's works in the future.
July 15,2025
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There is an enormous amount of human suffering and misery in this world. People are facing various hardships and difficulties that can be alleviated and overcome with the right efforts and actions.

There is also oppression that unjustly exists, suppressing the rights and freedoms of individuals. This is something that should not be tolerated.

Moreover, the struggle for freedom is a continuous one. People are constantly striving for the freedom to express themselves, to pursue their dreams, and to live a life of dignity.

There are very serious dangers that lurk around us, threatening our well-being and the future of humanity.

I truly cannot see how anybody can fail to have an interest in trying to help people become more engaged in thinking about these problems and taking action to address them. We all have a responsibility to make this world a better place for ourselves and for future generations. By working together, we can bring about positive change and create a more just and peaceful world.
July 15,2025
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As always, Noam Chomsky is highly articulate and his words are truly thought-provoking.

The book in question is a transcript of an interview, and this format makes the layout extremely engaging and easy to devour.

Noam Chomsky doesn't mince words or waste time. He presents dates and facts with great precision, like no one else can. Moreover, he approaches every question with strong and unwavering logic.

I'm truly glad that I read this book. It provided me with a wealth of knowledge and was extremely educational, especially when it comes to understanding the US government.

Long live socialism! It's a concept that Chomsky passionately advocates for, and his ideas have left a lasting impact on my perspective.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, society, and the pursuit of truth.

July 15,2025
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I wasn't certain whether I would manage to complete the book. However, in the end, I ended up reading it not just once but twice.

He has an in-depth knowledge of history, which serves as a kind of glue for his reasoning. It helps him clarify the problem until he uncovers the absurdities. His main focus lies in the selfishness of the government and the shadows of capitalism on the totalitarian roots of politics and general economic actions.

While I heard people say, "How does it matter what he does? He's just one person and..." That's when I noticed his great work. In his words, which I greatly enjoyed, he says, "People have to be told NO. It's not that easy, and you have to dedicate yourself to a concerning problem day after day."

Overall, it's perfect to have a push back against the misguided intellectuals of propaganda. This book offers a unique perspective and challenges our assumptions, making it a valuable read for those interested in understanding the complex issues of our society.
July 15,2025
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The interview style employed in this context truly functioned in an excellent manner. It effectively distilled the core ideas of the book, presenting them in a concise and understandable way. This not only made the content more accessible but also enhanced the overall readability of the entire piece.

The result was that I really derived great enjoyment from it. It was like uncovering hidden gems within the text, as the interview style brought out the essence of the book's concepts.

It made me eager to explore further and engage more deeply with the ideas presented. The simplicity and clarity achieved through this approach were truly remarkable and added a great deal of value to the reading experience.

I would highly recommend this work to others, as it offers a unique and engaging way to understand the ideas within the book.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly great book that has the power to make you deeply question the things you might otherwise take for granted.

Some of the quotes from it are truly profound and thought-provoking. For example, the statement that "We can do anything. But people here are trained to believe that there are easy answers, and it doesn't work that way. If you want to do something, you have to be dedicated and committed to it day after day. Educational programs, organizing, activism. That's the way things change. You want a magic key, so you can go back to watching television tomorrow? It doesn't exist." makes us realize the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving our goals.

Another quote that stands out is "When you have your boot on somebody's neck, you can't just say, 'I'm doing this because I'm a brute.' You have to say, 'I'm doing this because they deserve it. It's for their good. That's why I have to do it.'" This highlights the often self-justifying nature of those in power.

The book also contains some rather critical views on the concept of democracy, such as "US wants a democracy if US can control it. A democracy is a system in which you are free to whatever you like as long as you do what we [US] tell you."

It further explores the role of propaganda, stating that "If the public comes to understand what's being done in its name, it probably won't permit it. That's the main reason for propaganda. Otherwise there's no point in it. Why not just tell the truth?"

There is also a mention of the pressure to turn people into self-centered individuals, as in "There is a huge pressure to turn people into pathological monsters who care only about themselves, who don't have anything to do with anyone else, and who therefore can be very easily ruled and controlled."

Finally, the book emphasizes that in any state, the rulers rely on the consent of the governed and have various means to control them, as exemplified by the statement "In any state, whether a democratic state or a totalitarian state, the rulers rely on consent. They have to make sure that the people they are ruling do not understand that they actually have the power. That is the fundamental principle of government. Governments have all sorts of means to control the governed. In US, we don't use the stake, club, or torture chamber; we have other means." Overall, this book offers a wealth of insights and challenges our conventional ways of thinking.

July 15,2025
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This was not a real book in the traditional sense. Instead, it was a compilation of a series of essays or exclamations penned by Noam Chomsky.

I had long been aware of his reputation for intellect, and upon reading this work, it became evident that he is indeed well-read and thoughtful. His ideas and perspectives are presented in a manner that challenges the reader to think deeply.

However, I do have one reservation. I do not entirely approve of him making statements without providing proper validation. This lack of substantiation can sometimes leave the reader questioning the credibility of his claims.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that the book purports to be nothing more than a collection of conversations. In this context, the absence of validation can perhaps be more easily understood. It may be that Chomsky is simply presenting his thoughts and ideas in a more spontaneous and unfiltered way, leaving it up to the reader to further explore and verify the claims.

Overall, while this book may not be a comprehensive and thoroughly researched tome, it does offer valuable insights into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers of our time.
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent book that adopts an interview style to discuss US foreign policy since 9/11. It reveals how the US has committed multiple war crimes in violation of the Geneva conventions and UN rules. Chomsky elaborates on past US aggression and points out that the situation today is not much different. He also provides evidence of how the elite in these governments think with overt exceptionalism and a disdain for democracy.



Chomsky further emphasizes the responsibility of intellectuals, especially those in countries in the western hemisphere where they are not as much at risk as people in more brutal regimes. The interviewer then poses a wide-ranging question about how ordinary people should take action. Chomsky suggests that they should do small bits every day and be consistent in their efforts. He believes that this is what will lead to real change.

July 15,2025
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It is a wonderful luck that someone so capable has dedicated so much time to commenting on the politics of his country, speaking clearly and taking the side of the oppressed. Perhaps the most astonishing revelation is the call for genocide in Cambodia by Nixon and Kissinger, which was made public in 2004, but which the author's audience did not seem to understand.

I give it four stars because the translation has very obvious errors. I don't understand how the editors (Península editorial) care about making a beautiful book, with good paper and large print, but don't care about hiring a better translator.

This book provides valuable insights into the political history of the country. However, the translation errors do detract from the overall reading experience. It is important for publishers to ensure that the translations of their books are of high quality to accurately convey the author's message. Despite the translation issues, the content of the book is still worth exploring for those interested in politics and history.
July 15,2025
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Noam Chomsky is the first outspoken US critic whose opinion I have read. There have long been questions and debates regarding the foreign policy and designs of the US, which I had heard about earlier. In the Indian press, not many have covered this aspect extensively, but there has been an increasing amount of coverage over the last decade or so. However, there has always been a certain bias in understanding what it means for India.

But, Chomsky's opinions are well researched. They are firmly grounded in terms of their validity. They are more detailed and holistic than anything I have ever come across. The interview questions also touch upon his personal life and its influence on his views, which provides a mild and different flavor.

I have another book by him called Failed States, and I can't wait to get started with it. I am eager to explore more of his insights and perspectives on various global issues. His work has the potential to expand my understanding and challenge my existing beliefs. I believe that reading his books will be a valuable and enlightening experience.
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