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)

Cogent Reminder

I was surprised by the power and passion of Al Gore's case against the policies of the Bush-Cheney administration. He has provided a cogent reminder of the assaults on reason, science, society and international law that that administration represented. Perhaps if the transgressions of that era had not been swept under the carpet, but subjected to proper legal investigation, there would be a sense that Change (for the better) was realizable. Instead there is the same old, same old. Nevertheless, it is important to be reminded, as it provides grounding and perspective. The Assault on Reason is an exceptionally penetrating political book. The reader did a fine job.

A MUST read!

Al Gore does a great job describing the Democratic crisis in our country and how it can be fixed.

Fantastic but for the narrator.

It's too bad Al Gore himself didn't read it. He's a much more credible speaker when the material is intellectual in nature. The narrator sounded like a actor from a wise-guy film or a detective from a pulp fiction novel. He also had that annoying tendency to prounounce Iraq with the "I" raq sound instead of the correct "E"raq enunciation.

The arguement itself was very well developed, with Gore taking us through the founding of the nation and educates the listener on the principles behind which the US was founded. His version could use a few clarifications, such as the fact that the US constitution borrowed so much from the French, but that can be forgiven. His ending message returns to the environment, but it is not necessary for a listener to be an environmental activist to be interested in this book. An interest in the new developments in terms of political power in the US is sufficient. Overall, a remarkable achievement for a politician.

An Eye Opener.

I was always worried that things were bad here in America, but after hearing this book I am sure. I have never been so upset, my indignation is boundless. As a direct result of this book I am trying to become very connected with the political system. I feel it’s time to bring accountability and transparency back to politics, and I can only say that because now it’s so painfully clear to me that government lacks these things.

Awesome!

I recommend this book to everyone! While originally disappointed that Al Gore did not narrate this book, I did enjoy hearing Will Patton perform on the side of the good guy.

I am interested in seeing how this book brings Americans to action.

Required Reading for All Thinking Americans

If you're a "ditto head", love Anne Coulter etc. you'll hate this book. If you think for *yourself* you'll learn much. It is explained how radio 1st then T.V. have decreased reasoned dialog and dissent as "one way" media. Explained is how George W.'s policies have ruined America's world reputation all due to Iraq. The Bush administration's lies, support of torture and destruction of our key civil liberties are all the antithesis of what America stands for. Thanks to the lack of reasoned dissent our national reputation is in tatters. What would our 'Founding Fathers' think? The narration / production is fine. There's no "snide" tone. Given the inflammatory material (e.g. allowing companies needing oversight, to police themselves!) the reader sounds reasonable. (I'd be LIVID!) Our nation has been mugged by a media and by powerful politician / appointees (e.g. Pentagon officials) against those who DARED voice *reasoned dissent* of administration decisions, they were ignored, demoted, or "retired" (the latter in the prime of Shinseki's highly successful military career) for simply doing their jobs - using the ability to reason - THAT is an "Assault on Reason". Bush and his cronies have assaulted our reason. Reason has been under assault for 8 years. It explains Bush's very low approval ratings. "You're with us or against us" does *not* invite any kind of reasoned debate. This book is a must read to find out how we got into this incredible military mess (and now fiscal) mess. Much of it is the outcome of Bush W. and his administrations active avoidance of reasoned thought.

A REAL Statesman

After listening to this book, I am very disappointed that VP Gore did not run again in 2004. I truly believe that he could have soothed the wounds of the nation after 9/11. Instead, with all of his knowledge of the Bush White House goings-on, he stood on the side lines. A lot of this information died before it saw the light of day. I guess he did not have to worry about being deported to Gitmo. Will Patton did a wonderful job, as always.

A Frightening Perspective

Al Gore has the perspective of an insider and an academic. For those who value the Constitution this is a frightening look at how subtly it can be undermined. This is a cautiionary look at what may be happening to our country and our government at the hands of an administration that has been inclined towards secrecy and deception and has reinterpreted the Constitution for the personal gain of a few. For those who already hold with the progressive and left leaning views of our former V.P. this adds detail to our suspicions. For those on the right...I somehow doubt that it will be read with more than waiting for the speaker to stop so that they can make their argument.

Required Reading

Although Gore sits on the opposite side of the political spectrum, he has approached this critique from an objective and academic perspective. Both conservative and liberal will gain from pondering the points made here. Excellent use of the written/spoken word to awaken the populace from its slumber.

Run Al Run

While he does toot his own horn Gore makes a case for electing an intellegent person to the White House. Bush and his people have has hurt this country in many ways. Government by fear, lies and fake religion is not Democracy. Gore seems to be the only candidate or potential candidate that can bring the US back to being the country it used to be.