The Assault on Reason

Our Information Ecosystem, from the Age of Print to the Age of Trump - 2017 Edition

By: Al Gore

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Now with a New Preface and Conclusion: "Post-Truth: On Donald Trump and the 2016 Election"

What has happened to our country and how can we fix it?

We are in the midst of a deepening crisis for our democracy. After the strangest election cycle in modern American history, it is important that we address the grave threats to our way of life that were glaringly revealed in this campaign. In The Assault on Reason, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Vice President Al Gore examines how faith in the power of reason - the idea that citizens can govern themselves through rational debate - is in peril. Our democracy depends on a well-informed citizenry and a two-way conversation about ideas, but our public sphere has been degraded by fake news and the politics of fear, partisanship, and blind faith. Now updated to investigate the rise of Trump and post-truth politics, The Assault on Reason is a call to rebuild the vitality of American democracy by restoring the nation's information ecosystem so that we can start making good decisions again.

Listen to more by Gore.

©2007 Al Gore (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

Critic reviews

"This book shows a fiery, throw-caution-to-the winds Al Gore, who...has decided to lay it all on the line with a blistering assessment of the Bush administration and the state of public discourse in America." (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

"Gore’s faith in human nature is braver and sharper than (the cynics).... This book isn’t about him; it’s about the republic whose freedoms depend on increasing reasoned debate and reducing intimidating noise." (The Boston Globe)

Mostly Republican Bashing!

If i were a US Citizen, i would vote for the democrats after reading this book!

Relevant Today

Former US Vice President Gore made practical, scientifically based points of discussion that were not only relevant when he wrote and published but Are relevant in the today of 2023. This highly recommendable book will stand the tests of time far better than many of its contemporaries.

Good points, but too long

I like what Al Gore has to say, but he seems to really repeat himself in this book. It's a bit dry and quite redundant. I think he could have made his points just as effectively in a book about half the length of this one. Maybe an abridged version would be a better choice.

Not bad

This book was very well written and did a good job explaining to me why Al Gore feels that the political process could use an overhaul. It wasn't about the "assault on reason" as much as I figured it would be, but was good nonetheless. Gore's resentment about losing the presidency showed sometimes, but not so much that it felt like a bunch of complaining. He showed a good deal more restraint than I would have if I were in his shoes.

Excellent summary of the status quo

Every once in a while, you come across a book that sums up what you are feeling and codifies the craziness of today's existence. This book is just that. There really is nothing new here, and Gore will not blow anyone away with his summary of popular media and the undercurrents (and underworld) of the American political system. However, the fact that his comments are so dead on correct makes the book seem almost prescient.

The book is a worthwhile read for anyone, but particularly if you are fed up with the popcorn culture that pervades the American experience nowadays. It's a nice roadmap.

A great book; highly recommended

Full of facts, this thoughtful book lays out, in clear detail, the root of so many of our nation's problems: the absence and attack of reason. No matter your political persuasion, this book is an asset for those who are tired of the 30 second sound bite and want to see reason return to our political discourse.

Excellent and Pertinent Reading

Gore's first and last chapter (not including the retrospective, added prologue and epilogue), reveal a sincere interest in exploring humanity, civilization, and the possibility of a successful, healthy democracy. Regardless of one's political views, it genuinely explores pertinent issues regarding post-factual behavior and the systemic changes and failures that have led to our current state of unreason.

America's Missing Saviour

This is the civics lesson that could save America. If all the voting adults who were not sufficiently educated by our failing system were to read this book it would transform politics and probably lead, in the short time we have left, to the nomination of Al Gore to lead our nation out of this mess. The former VP's towering intellect and hope-filled heart are just what we don't have. His communication skills - the care with which he selects his words - are what it takes to fix clearly in our minds what a tragic mistake it was to elect George Bush, and how urgent it is, with still more than a year of such "leadership" ahead, to sweep the wrongheaded "values" away and restore our ideals. Will Cather is the ideal reader, too; you can hear Gore's sincerity, pain and passion. It's a masterpiece, but of course that's why those who need to hear it would never bother. What a shame!

Important: but it may raise your blood pressure)

(If your blood pressure can stand it)

If you are on the liberal side of the aisle, this book will raise your blood pressure.

If you are on the other side of the aisle, it will also raise your blood pressure.

It is Political, Partisan, and Polemic.

But if 5 Percent of it is true (and I’m betting it is), then you’d better know about it.

I’ve just finished it and find it a “must read” for anyone, either side of the aisle, who has an interest in our country, its political situation, and its future. What Gore says must be answered, by politicians on either side of the aisle, and us as citizens.

Well narrated, although that audio may have suffered a bit from Audible’s high compression.

Must read!

The title of my "review", short as it is, and the title of the book say it all.

This book is a must read for everyone. The book should be read especially by all who have thier heads imbedded in the partisan sand.

It is a wonderful explanation of the science of HOW we can be manipulated, as well as the application of that knowledge to do just that.

Great book.

Fred