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Everything about Chomsky is so cool and interesting except actually reading him. I mean its ok but I have a hard time getting into the mid 80's political lanscape of Nicaragua right now. So I tried his linguistics stuff, oh brother...
Whatever, he's still a fucking genius.
Whatever, he's still a fucking genius.
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So far about 60% through this book which is very good at explaining the political thinking behind eg the Vietnam War. It is really changing my perception! In some ways it would be more comfortable not to think about these issues, but he really helps explain the complex modern world of aggressive capitalism.
An interesting fellow. Some topics I'll have to study more (I have a page of titles lifted from the notes section, and a bookmark in the notes section that just says "everything on this chapter.")
Very interesting examination of twentieth century events, particularly involving U.S. wars and indigenous economic improvement. Also a couple chapters on mind and language.
If you're not firmly welded to the idea that your own country has to be seen as the great Goodguy by all, it's quite illuminating. R...more
Very interesting examination of twentieth century events, particularly involving U.S. wars and indigenous economic improvement. Also a couple chapters on mind and language.
If you're not firmly welded to the idea that your own country has to be seen as the great Goodguy by all, it's quite illuminating. R...more
Jun 29, 2009
Susannah
added it
"If men were angels there would be no need of laws." Americans never claimed to be angels and he is just another person disappointed in the reality separating ideology from its makers and exposing them as just more erring human beings.
I think Chomsky knows how to think, speak, and analyze brillliantly and incisively - though if he doesn't I'm not finishing this thing - but if all he does is publicly nag on the US and people, standing apart and judging, then of course he is able to remain "relen...more
I think Chomsky knows how to think, speak, and analyze brillliantly and incisively - though if he doesn't I'm not finishing this thing - but if all he does is publicly nag on the US and people, standing apart and judging, then of course he is able to remain "relen...more
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An incredibly lucid and well-documented analysis of state systems and their complete blindness to their own bias, propaganda and hypocrisy.
People often label Chomsky as a lefty, but his books are a must for anyone interested in critical thinking, skepticism and honesty.
People often label Chomsky as a lefty, but his books are a must for anyone interested in critical thinking, skepticism and honesty.
I'm finding it very difficult to read any contemporary, non-fiction works. Despite the potential subject matter being so ripe, most of what I've read can only be described as variations on howling, regardless of socio-political persuasion. Am I sounding cynical?
Therefore, I've re-embarked on the wonderful (though disturbing) journey of "The Chomsky Reader." I cannot adequately expresss how refreshing (though disturbing) it is to read works that are so well thought out and articulate. For the tim...more
Therefore, I've re-embarked on the wonderful (though disturbing) journey of "The Chomsky Reader." I cannot adequately expresss how refreshing (though disturbing) it is to read works that are so well thought out and articulate. For the tim...more
Jul 10, 2007
CJ
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people who need a dose of cynicism about US foreign policy
Chomsky is an understandably upset man. Universal grammar is lame, but worse yet the Western academics, American Press, and the American government practice significant amounts of disinformation among themselves and the American people. This book is a collection of essays that does a pretty good job of hitting highlights of U.S. support for human rights abusing regimes and pointing out some likely points of hypocrisy on the part of the U.S. and mainstream academics. The cynicism clouds believabi...more
A great intellectual read for anyone interested in foreign global policy and or the media and it's mind control...
seriously not a fan of this guy. i think i like his politics, but i am not sure. but he is also like mike moore and abit sensational and to get that he plays fast and loose with the facts.
he qoutes the bayonet as the number one killer in ww1. the bayonets effect is largely phsycological, you run before you stand around to get speared in the gut with it. anyway his facts are verifiably wrong on this, and if these facts are off, well everyting else is now suspect.
he qoutes the bayonet as the number one killer in ww1. the bayonets effect is largely phsycological, you run before you stand around to get speared in the gut with it. anyway his facts are verifiably wrong on this, and if these facts are off, well everyting else is now suspect.
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You know, I hate to say it, but Chomsky's a bore of a read. Sure, it's hard to argue with his tirelessly researched positions, but he doesn't command engagement from the reader, either. I feel like Chomsky's theses are rehashed in response to each new current event, compiled in each new book. I might like to read a book by another author discussing his positions, just to read his ideas from a different voice, you know what I mean?
One of about five books I've really taken a lot of pride in reading, but not fully appreciating. Lots and lots of information, lots and lots of accusations and some evidence. difficult to read only because it flies in the face of everything you already know, accept and think of as American foreign policy...at least that's how it went for me. Read in conjunction with What's the Matter with Kansas?
This book is exrtremely eye-opening, but not very readable. Chomsky is brilliant and this book is filled with information about the world. Since it is a collection of older articles, a lot of the material is out-of-date but interesting in a historical perspective. However, I think his newer writings are much more approachable than the older stuff.
I remember being a college student, when Chomsky was at his best, and seeing a skit in Saturday Night Live in which a character holds this book. Pretty amazing. More amazing, I would suggest, than the essays gathered in the book, some of which are excellent, others clunky theoretically.
In iddle times, it quits from the usual point of view. Of course, Noam likes those savages points of views.
But at the end, it lays a lot of layers of data, misconceptions, beliefs and truths that is overwhelming.
Period!
But at the end, it lays a lot of layers of data, misconceptions, beliefs and truths that is overwhelming.
Period!
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Sep 09, 2008
Tim
added it
This is one of those that I keep returning to time and time again. "The Responsibility of the Intellectuals" is just as important now as when it was originally written.
Dec 17, 2007
Hudi
added it
Buku yang wajib dibaca bagi siapa yang ingin mengenal Chomsky. Buku membahas beberapa pokok-pokok pikiran Chomsky mengenai linguistik, politik internasional, dan media.
My interests have changed since I bought this - and I'm ruthlessly culling my shelves today. bye-bye!
Aug 13, 2008
Angie
added it
There's a lot of information and history here. If I do my homework, I'll understand it a little more.
This has an awesome essay about the Spanish revolution and liberals who don't really believe in democracy.
nature or nurture: those who believe in 'linguistics faculty' in human brain,should read this book.
Oct 31, 2008
Kate
marked it as to-read
Recommends it for:
people who are politically exhausted
Shelves:
shelved
ok, so i'll come back to this one. can only read one depressing non-fiction book at a time...
Great stuff. Though most of the content is available online (see www.chomsky.info)
Jan 16, 2008
Jillian
marked it as to-read
Ciara Elend made me curious about this guy since she did name her dog after him and all, lol.
I am enjoying this book which goes into chomskys ideals and his background.
almost a necessity for any of us who work in and study Mass Communications.
Always rereading this book... and I reread it when I recommend it to somebody.
This is perhaps the most depressing book ever written.
Always thought-provoking and intensely articulate.
Something I dip into when I'm feeling contrary.
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Avram Noam Chomsky is an American linguist, philosopher, political activist, author, and lecturer. He is an Institute Professor and professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Chomsky is credited with the creation of the theory of generative grammar, considered to be one of the most significant contributions to the field of linguistics made in the 20th century. H...more
More about Noam Chomsky...
Chomsky is credited with the creation of the theory of generative grammar, considered to be one of the most significant contributions to the field of linguistics made in the 20th century. H...more
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