On Anarchism

By: Noam Chomsky, Nathan Schneider - introduction

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

On Anarchism provides the reasoning behind Noam Chomsky's fearless lifelong questioning of the legitimacy of entrenched power. In these essays, Chomsky redeems one of the most maligned ideologies, anarchism, and places it at the foundation of his political thinking. Chomsky's anarchism is distinctly optimistic and egalitarian. Moreover, it is a living, evolving tradition that is situated in a historical lineage; Chomsky's anarchism emphasizes the power of collective, rather than individualist, action. The collection includes a revealing new introduction by journalist Nathan Schneider, who documented the Occupy movement for Harper's and The Nation, and who places Chomsky's ideas in the contemporary political moment. On Anarchism will be essential listening for a new generation of activists who are at the forefront of a resurgence of interest in anarchism - and for anyone who struggles with what can be done to create a more just world.

©2013 Noam Chomsky; Introduction 2013 Nathan Schneider (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Powerful ideas that can influence the world

One of the most influential minds in the worls breaking paradigms and laying the ground on the principles that guide human nature

great for new theory readers

a great starting place for new theory readers. the language isn't too complicated but it still is incredibly descriptive and helpful. it isn't too boring, it has a nice blend of stories and philosophy that makes it easy to follow and engaging. Chomsky is a wonderful writer.

Must Read!

"Anarchism deserves better than to be a mere curiosity, or a blank slate, or an overlapping consensus among newly minted radicals who have trouble agreeing on anything else. It is better than that! It is overdue for serious consideration."* I have struggled with being a democrat, republican, libertarian and socialist. I agreed with bits and pieces here and there but ultimately rejected them as labels I would use to identify myself. However, I have always been an anarchist; It has always felt right. The older I get the more I understand and the more I reject what I find morally repugnant and harmful. Freedom isn't an abstract concept that governments need to make tangible somehow. Also, the government should not ever be in control of the means of production; The people who produce and consume the goods should be. Ever wonder, "How did things get so convoluted and messed up?" Why must we sacrifice what makes us human just to get by? Why do you automatically assume the worst when you hear the word "anarchy"? *Chomsky, Noam. On Anarchism. Penguin Books, 2014

not bad intro, not as detailed as I'd prefer

Maybe I'm expecting to much but there wasn't quite as much info on what anarchism structurally is. Again maybe that isn't plausible for a book this short. besides that his explanation of the surrounding theory and justifications of anarchism is informative, for that I'd recommend this book.

A must-have introduction to Anarchism!

This book gives great insight to the ideals, hopes and aspirations of the most misubderstood of political ideologies

finally read it, dont regret it

I'm no Chomp but I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook; it's a great intro to LibSoc Philosophy and has great background into the foundations of his thoughts on a number of topics and his personal history that I found surprisingly good to know.

A new/old path to freedom.

Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.
Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.Caw. Caw. Caaaaw.
the end. too far

Great book

Not introductory book, it is rather more analytical view on the history of anarchism.
I needed simplified view about anarchism but this still a great book.

A great short listen for folks interested.

I absolutely loved the interview portions of this audio essay. The historical storytelling was captivating, but the narrator was monotone the majority of the time. He did well when speaking "in different voices" but when Chomsky is expressing his theories or anecdotes, the narrator's voice was bland. That is my only criticism.

Very good book.

Insightful truths into a subject smeered as a violent, chaotic group throughout all of history.