Understanding Power

The Indispensable Chomsky

By: Noam Chomsky, John Schoeffel - editor, Peter R. Mitchell - editor

Narrated by: Robin Bloodworth

A major new collection from "arguably the most important intellectual alive" (The New York Times). Noam Chomsky is universally accepted as one of the preeminent public intellectuals of the modern era. Over the past thirty years, broadly diverse audiences have gathered to attend his sold-out lectures. Now, in Understanding Power, Peter Mitchell and John Schoeffel have assembled the best of Chomsky's recent talks on the past, present, and future of the politics of power.

In a series of enlightening and wide-ranging discussions, all published here for the first time, Chomsky radically reinterprets the events of the past three decades, covering topics from foreign policy during Vietnam to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration. And as he elucidates the connection between America's imperialistic foreign policy and the decline of domestic social services, Chomsky also discerns the necessary steps to take toward social change. With an eye to political activism and the media's role in popular struggle, as well as U.S. foreign and domestic policy, Understanding Power offers a sweeping critique of the world around us and is definitive Chomsky. Characterized by Chomsky's accessible and informative style, this is the ideal book for those new to his work as well as for those who have been listening for years.

©2002 Noam Chomsky, Peter Rounds Mitchell, and John Schoeffel (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

There are good reads and must read, THIS IS A MUST READ

This is what they failed to teach in PolSci 101. The ultimate fill in the blank for the Republic, The Wealth of Nations and My Struggle.

Good intro

Though I don't agree with all of Noam's points I think he does a great job of getting us to understand power and how it functions in society.

One of the most critical insights to modern issues

Now, mid 2016, more and more of what is talked about in this book is becoming relevant. With presidential candidates like Donald Trump, an obvious demagogue, stirring up hatred like Hitler did in his rise to power, and the general state of the U.S. population, it hits the nail on the head. A must read for anyone.

Great book on how to approach life.

This is a great book to help understand our crazy world. It explains how to approach our worlds concerns with power being so concentrated. We need to see where we've been in our struggle for truth and righteousness. Noam is a great man to learn from. I'm looking forward to listening a second time.

Infinitely Enlightening

This collection has changed my life. There is in-depth discussion where incredibly complex questions are answered thoroughly and thoughtfully. After over 150 books from Audible, this one was the best - by far.

This kind of content is a bit different than your typical non-fiction fare. This empowers individuals to think for themselves, to analyze critically, and to use skepticism and inquiry to solve difficult problems. While Chomsky doesn't offer solutions for everything, his role in describing the systems that perpetuate power, corruption, violence, and tyranny are invaluable.