With exceptional clarity and power of argument, Noam Chomsky lays bare as no one else can the realities of contemporary geopolitics. Divided into four sections and originally published in the US as individual short books which have collectively sold over half a million copies, "How the World Works" is a collection of speeches and interviews with Chomsky by David Barsamian, edited by Arthur Naiman. It includes What Uncle Sam Really Wants, about US foreign policy; The Prosperous Few and the Restless Many, about the new global economy, food, Third World 'economic miracles' and the roots of racism; Secrets, Lies and Democracy, about the US, the CIA, religious fundamentalism, global inequality and the coming eco-catastrophe; and, The Common Good, about equality, freedom, the media, the myth of Third World debt and manufacturing dissent.
How the World Works (Real Story (Soft Skull Press))
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Noam Chomsky is the author of numerous bestselling political books, including Hegemony or Survival, Failed States and Hopes and Prospects, all of which are published by Hamish Hamilton/Penguin. David Barsamian is the award-winning founder and director of Alternative Radio. He has authored several books of interviews with leading political thinkers. Arthur Naiman has authored, co-authored, edited and/or published more than thirty books, including Every Goy's Guide to Common Jewish Expressions and The Macintosh Bible.
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More About the Author
Noam Chomsky is Institute Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston. A member of the American Academy of Science, he has published widely in both linguistics and current affairs. His books include At War with Asia, Towards a New Cold War, Fateful Triangle: The U. S., Israel and the Palestinians, Necessary Illusions, Hegemony or Survival, Deterring Democracy, Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy and Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Despite being a collection of four volumes published as much as 20 years ago, this invaluable collection is not the least out of date. Whether because nothing seems to change, or because we never seem to learn, or because the human condition so dictates, these books are as valid and valuable today as they were when first published. As usual, sterling editing makes them crisp, fast, effective and compact reads, and editors' notes expand acronyms possibly long forgotten. As always, highly recommended.
53 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
As always, Noam is very readable, accurate, profound, detailed, wise, prophetic, concise and pithy. This particular book is primarily a lightly edited composite transcript of a number of live interviews in which Noam fielded a very wide variety of questions without hesitation. Part of his genius is that he manages to precisely describe the gist of very complex situations using quite ordinary language and sentence structure, usually simple declarative sentences with very few multi-syllable words. Having tried to do the same with only marginal success, I say this is much rarer and more demanding than it sounds.
37 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By Bad Apple
Format:Paperback
As expected, How the World Works is another master work from Noam Chomsky. It contains mostly excerpts from interviews and lectures, so it doesn't really follow any sort of narrative format and the flow is sometimes choppy, but this book contains several nuggets and a few gems of unbelievably insightful wisdom from the man who is, arguably, the greatest thinker of our lifetime. Definitely worth reading!
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Fer
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is just a journey, a mix of history, analysis, economics, led by the hand of a bright, unique intellectual and ethical guru. Don't miss it.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well, I don't know if the truth will set you physically free, but it will definitely free your mind of the vast amount of nonsense "mainstream" media will expose you too. One word of caution: After reading Chomsky you will no longer be a sheep. That means it may be difficult to deal with those around you who prefer to continue to take the blue pill. Just be patient with them.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By vjwebster
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Superb - Chomsky at his most accomodating and charming. His questioners have been carefully selected which makes for a relaxed and thoughtful dialogue. Highly recommended.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Received this book and read it cover to cover rather quickly (suspended other readings temporarily). Though I disagree with Prof. Chomsky from time to time it is in matters of degree rather than fundamentals. This book of interviews and talks ranges over a number of topics over a period of time primarily, it would appear, reflecting on the eighties and nineties. I found it to be highly enlightening as I was, during that period, distracted from following the empire closely by personal life turbulence. I recommend the book to those who appreciate insights into current events through the mind of an individual devoted to stepping outside the framework of the pictures presented by domestic media for mass consumption and who undertakes the serious research and thought that requires.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By John Pettey
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is typical Chomsky. He provides the details and documentation showing the actions of the powerful (read: corporations and governments) in their relations with the weak (read: us). As always, no one is spared scrutiny.
Chomsky's profiles are discouraging, quite frankly. What makes them readable, and ultimately 'must-read,' is the necessity of making personal choices. Where will I shop? Will I vote? For whom? I will admit that I wish the world were a nicer place, but since it is as it is I will read Chomsky and be thankful for his work and his willingness to pay the price for telling the truth.
Chomsky's profiles are discouraging, quite frankly. What makes them readable, and ultimately 'must-read,' is the necessity of making personal choices. Where will I shop? Will I vote? For whom? I will admit that I wish the world were a nicer place, but since it is as it is I will read Chomsky and be thankful for his work and his willingness to pay the price for telling the truth.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read, especially by the younger generations, who are...
Comprehensive and detailed description of the unveiled truths behind most of the important events in the 20th century, supported with analysis of the mechanisms by which the... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Ivan Filadski
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dated
I would not dare judge Chomsky thought. It must be read. Yet what was thought or attempted fourty years ago cannot is not a key for today
Published 24 days ago by Rosalia
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great man
I consider Noam Chonsky a man compromised with the future of United States and friendly relatiions with the rest of the world.
Published 27 days ago by Juan Olivella
5.0 out of 5 stars
the world is a bad place
the world is a bad place and all the people in charge of the bad places like to put a nice spin on it
Published 1 month ago by bao
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best books I have read
Its amazing how much we just don't know if we only rely on "mainstream" sources of information. Chomsky exposes the well-document but well-hidden truths.
Published 1 month ago by Sakina qutbuddin
4.0 out of 5 stars
First time Chomsky reader
Although familiar with some of his ideas I had never read Chomsky. This compilation of talks is a good starter. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Santiago Roel
1.0 out of 5 stars
Linguistics, Noam, Linguistics
Noam, you're just a linguistics teacher without credentials to pretentiously pontificate about how the world outside linguistics works. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kitchen Magician
5.0 out of 5 stars
get to know your government
This book will open your eyes. Reading it is experiencing a revelation like no other. Should be required reading in every school in the country. Not to be ignored.
Published 2 months ago by daniel reich
2.0 out of 5 stars
Informative for those who can read critically, but otherwise a highly...
I hold many of the same views as Chomsky (very liberal on social issues, agree that the US should give aid abroad rather than exporting war, and hold a strong disdain for corporate... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Justin M
2.0 out of 5 stars
Informative for those who can read critically, but otherwise a highly...
I hold many of the same views as Chomsky (very liberal on social issues, agree that the US should give aid abroad rather than exporting war, and hold a strong disdain for corporate... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Justin M
