The Democracy Project

A History, a Crisis, a Movement

By: David Graeber

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A bold rethinking of the most powerful political idea in the world - democracy - as seen through the lens of the most transformative political movements of our time and the story of how radical democracy can yet transform America.

Democracy has been the American religion since before the Revolution - from New England town halls to the multicultural democracy of Atlantic pirate ships. But can our current political system, one that seems responsive only to the wealthiest among us and leaves most Americans feeling disengaged, voiceless, and disenfranchised, really be called democratic? And if the tools of our democracy are not working to solve the rising crises we face, how can we - average citizens - make change happen?

David Graeber, one of the most influential scholars and activists of his generation, takes listeners on a journey through the idea of democracy, provocatively reorienting our understanding of pivotal historical moments, and extracts their lessons for today - from the birth of Athenian democracy and the founding of the United States of America to the global revolutions of the 20th century and the rise of a new generation of activists. Underlying it all is a bracing argument that in the face of increasingly concentrated wealth and power in this country, a reenergized, reconceived democracy - one based on consensus, equality, and broad participation - can yet provide us with the just, free, and fair society we want.

The Democracy Project tells the story of the resilience of the democratic spirit and the adaptability of the democratic idea. It offers a fresh take on vital history and an impassioned argument that radical democracy is, more than ever, our best hope.

©2013 David Graeber (P)2013 Random House Audio

This should be more famous

I loved the story of Occupy, which I really had known next to nothing about when it happened, and also the story of democracy, which follows. He is a terrific explainer of things; I never had to rewind because something was too convoluted or dense. Well, I had to rewind once, because I couldn't tell if the reader was saying really or rarely. Also, it's official, I'm an anarchist now. Small a.

imperdible

imperdible para los que estén buscando entender cómo renovar la política y qué significan los últimos aContecimientos y movimientos que promueven la libertad y democracia en todos los niveles

a must read for anyone interested in politics

I loved this book. it was very thought but not too dense or academic. this book largely focuses on occupy wall street which was a pleasant surprise but adds both a global and historical perspective.

Incredible book

Graeber has an incredible talent of identifying and exploring the hidden assumptions and myths that run our world. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. It is an excellent book.

the graeb does it again

real Shaq and Kobe vibes here. peak performance, dude is killing the game right now

Excellent

In depth but approachable and extremely interesting book. Must read. Covers the broad concepts and big questions you find yourself asking in the currently political climate.

there's a something magic about this book.

I loved the book, but if I had to recap it, it would be hard. The book moves between history and the events of OWS and sums up some thoughts of possible future. I would love an entire book just going through the future of an anarchy world.

Inspiring, reflective look at the road up which we must travel

This is a remarkable historical, analytical and reflective look at ways of organizing ourselves as communities and as a political society (and ways states and various actors have worked to block various idealistic and practical attempts to create more effective ways) at a time where the current structures are clearly falling apart due to their being antithetical to our survival - as individuals, communities, and as a species. A great source for conceiving alternatives that have never been more essential.

And the narration is fabulous - clear, conversational, and with just the right emphasis to promote great comprehension and thought.

Must-read: such insight, an awakening!

What did you love best about The Democracy Project?

This is one of the handful of gems that make you think in profoundly-different ways.

I heard excellent reviews of Mr. Graeber's book "Debt: the First 5000 Years", but I thought I'd like a more general book to start with and this was perfect.

Explores our assumptions of "democracy", and how Corporate and Government bureaucracy are top-down hierarchies which are quite simply contrary to real democracy.

I've often assumed "anarchism" was somehow extreme or unrealistic, but this book made a very compelling case for how horizontal decision-making is desirable and even practical, featuring numerous real-life examples along with common sense analogies.

This book also tackles the morality of debt and the morality of work head-on, most relevant and fascinating!

What did you like best about this story?

Only special books manage to shake one from one's stupor, or present clear explanations for those nagging ideas that were never understood. This is a lot to ask for, but this book delivers!

Also recommended is Matt Taibbi's book "Griftopia"

Which scene was your favorite?

On top of everything, this book is surprisingly uplifting. Revolutions and revolutionary ideas do indeed cascade into society and our collective consciousness, often seemingly against all odds.

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

These book connected so many dots and opened up a new world of ideas and possibilities. For a non-fiction, that is the highest accolade.

Democracy Distilled

Graeber smashes vast society-spanning topics into relatable snippets that make you think about... well, everything! Amazing, 10/10