Propaganda and the Public Mind

By: Noam Chomsky, David Barsamian

Narrated by: Brian Jones

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Renowned interviewer David Barsamian showcases his unique access to Chomsky's thinking on a number of topics of contemporary and historical import. Chomsky offers insights into the institutions that shape the public mind in the service of power and profit.

In an interview conducted after the important November 1999 "Battle in Seattle", Chomsky discusses prospects for building a movement to challenge corporate domination of the media, the environment, and even our private lives. Whether discussing US military escalation in Colombia, attacks on Social Security, or growing inequality worldwide, Chomsky shows how ordinary people, if they work together, have the power to make meaningful change.

©2001 Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Letting the Facts Speak for Themselves

Noam Chomsky has been talking about the mechanisms of propaganda and manufactured outrage for a very long time. If you want deeper insights, this is where to turn.

In this series of talks with David Barsamian, we hear a real discussion with an utter lack of punditry. Chomsky has said that he is not a charismatic speaker, and is not interested in persuading people, but that he helps people persuade themselves.

He wants to tell you what he thinks, but not what you should think. As critical thinkers, we can distinguish between statements of opinion and fact. You may not agree with Mr. Chomsky that the US is the greatest threat to world peace, but his facts are incontrovertible. He goes over what was omitted in the media regarding Central America and Viet Nam, as well as what was submitted for broadcast news.

Brian Jones is a clear and animated narrator. He keeps the voices of Chomsky and Barsamian distinct, and even adds a bit of the charisma that Mr. Chomsky says he lacks.

Incredibly Revealing

As a Vietnam veteran I was educated as to "why we fought". Certainly not for reasons we were told. Chomsky's diverse knowledge reveals something for everyone.

well there you go

Dude knows how to really open your eyes and really get you to look at events and tragedies in a different way. Really wish I knew about him before now!

interesting perspective

Insightful and concise.

If you have any interest in understanding how the left sees themselves and the world listen to this.

Pay attention to the methods of criticism given to conservative policy compared to liberal policy. The crafting of the language is eerie.

My eyes are opened...

I learned so much more than I was expecting to. I am inspired to do more research.

Jaw dropping

Enlightened by Chomsky.
Light bulbs in my head kept turning on and on.
Incredible perspective of the mechanics and institutions that rule our lives.

A very positive surprise

Initially my consideration of an interview format is that it would be hard to follow or integrate yet each interview and interview segment was a powerful high-value story unto itself!!!

Very Insightful

The interview by David Barsamian with Noam Chomsky in Propaganda and the Public Mind is one of the extraordinary interllectual interviews I have ever heard. Never knew interviews could be so insightful.

Noam Chomsky's style of conversation and explanation of simple facts or complex theories/realities and everything in between is very logical and profound. No wonder Noam Chomsky is considered one of the very intellectual people living.

Some of the things covered in the interview were evident and straight-forward. However, my knowledge about the details of wars or the political system is not very immersed so I found some of the things difficult to fully grasp and understand. However, most of what he said made a good sense to me.

I look forward to reading/listening to book/audio books by Noam Chompsky. They are quite worthwhile. His knowledge and research seems quite profound.

Narration was well performed by Brian Jones though at certain times the interviewer's and the interviewee's voices seem to have blended altogether. :)

Interesting

Interesting mix of globalism and leftism with a side of conspiracy theory. I'm definitely conservative but it excersized my brain.

great book.

this book is full of information in a conversational/interview format. nicely done and keeps the listener engaged.