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On Anarchism  By  cover art

On Anarchism

By: Noam Chomsky,Nathan Schneider - introduction
Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin
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Publisher's summary

On Anarchism provides the reasoning behind Noam Chomsky's fearless lifelong questioning of the legitimacy of entrenched power. In these essays, Chomsky redeems one of the most maligned ideologies, anarchism, and places it at the foundation of his political thinking. Chomsky's anarchism is distinctly optimistic and egalitarian. Moreover, it is a living, evolving tradition that is situated in a historical lineage; Chomsky's anarchism emphasizes the power of collective, rather than individualist, action. The collection includes a revealing new introduction by journalist Nathan Schneider, who documented the Occupy movement for Harper's and The Nation, and who places Chomsky's ideas in the contemporary political moment. On Anarchism will be essential listening for a new generation of activists who are at the forefront of a resurgence of interest in anarchism - and for anyone who struggles with what can be done to create a more just world.

©2013 Noam Chomsky; Introduction 2013 Nathan Schneider (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

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Hit and Miss

What is not made clear anywhere in the description of the book is that this is a collection of pieces, often excerpts from longer works, including interviews and book reviews where Chomsky talks about anarchism. It is not analytic or deeply thought through; the inclusion criteria seems to be if Chomsky mentions anarchism in the text then it is in. It is also quite often repetitive - not on Chomsky's part but if he wants to quote the same passage from Humboldt at different points across a thirty year period it is probably up to an editor to not to collect all those quotations together.

Some of the pieces are better than others - the middle section on the Spanish civil war is the most interesting but is a review of a book that probably no one has read since the sixties so it is not the best anarchist history of that time period. The final essay on "Language and Freedom" is hampered by Chomsky clearly working to a commission and not really being sure of what the topic is supposed to be about.

This is still worth listening to, Chomsky is a clear and interesting thinker and the reader does a good job with the material, but as a curiosity. You need to know going in that this book is not intended to be in any way a definitive statement on anarchism by Chomsky but is a collection of lesser writing by a third party.

Also introduction is unrelated to the book and has already dated more than anything else here.

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Chomsky Delivers - Again

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you are interested in the history of anarchism and its place in the modern world, you will enjoy this in depth account of anarchism. Chomsky puts on his scholor's cap and dissects the anarchist movement in modern times.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Chomsky takes issue with those who believe that anarchism and effective state action are opposed to each other. He sees anarchism as fitting in with an enlightened socialism.

Have you listened to any of Eric Martin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a book that makes you think - and then think again.

Any additional comments?

Chomsky has gotten such a bad rap as some kind of extreme nut that rarely do people take the time to notice that he is one of the greatest political, social and philosophical thinkers of our time. He has always been spot on in his criticism of our - and other - governments when they trample on international law, people's rights and - most importantly - trample on the best tool we have for understanding even the most complex problems - our reason.

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9 people found this helpful

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Must Read!

"Anarchism deserves better than to be a mere curiosity, or a blank slate, or an overlapping consensus among newly minted radicals who have trouble agreeing on anything else. It is better than that! It is overdue for serious consideration."* I have struggled with being a democrat, republican, libertarian and socialist. I agreed with bits and pieces here and there but ultimately rejected them as labels I would use to identify myself. However, I have always been an anarchist; It has always felt right. The older I get the more I understand and the more I reject what I find morally repugnant and harmful. Freedom isn't an abstract concept that governments need to make tangible somehow. Also, the government should not ever be in control of the means of production; The people who produce and consume the goods should be. Ever wonder, "How did things get so convoluted and messed up?" Why must we sacrifice what makes us human just to get by? Why do you automatically assume the worst when you hear the word "anarchy"? *Chomsky, Noam. On Anarchism. Penguin Books, 2014

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very interesting book

Overall this book is very inspiring and opens the imagination to ways of thinking that are almost never presented in the public discourse. Different chapters have different styles, some from talks or one on one interviews. The sections on interpretations of the Spanish civil war are a bit dry - i.e. presented in a formal and academic manner, but nonetheless very rigorous and interesting.

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Juvenile

Any additional comments?

This is a great read for anyone who is completely unfamiliar with the nature of man, an understanding of their own ambitions and/or an unwillingness to accept personal accountability. Hooray for the finger-pointers, those who must be offended and liberal hypocrisy!

I found myself laughing out loud at Chomsky who enriches himself while excoriating others who have similar personal ambitions. Only a sophomore from an upper middle class family could be influenced, however briefly, by this demonization of owner's of capital - the only people standing between true utopia and modern slavery.

Shame on Chomsky for amassing his wealth on the backs of young idealists while encouraging them to build a commune-based society. Kind of like a plantation owner prosthelytizing about becoming independent.

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The American Misunderstanding of Anarchism

A must read for every American citizen to understand the true nature of our so called democratic government and our freedom

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Fascinating

It’s Chomsky. What else needs to be said? I learned so much about anarchism, the ideal of anarchism, and the bastardization of the term in modern times. I will definitely be listening to this again. So much wisdom to glean.

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A must-have introduction to Anarchism!

This book gives great insight to the ideals, hopes and aspirations of the most misubderstood of political ideologies

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Not what was expected

It was good but not what I expected, the book circled mainly around the Spanish revolution. This was my first book I've tried from chomsky but I'm willing to try others of his.

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Chomsky' "On Anarchism" is on point

A must read. I would recommend for any human being to read this. One of the greatest thinkers of our time.

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