Civilization and Its Enemies is an extraordinary tour de force by America’s reigning philosopher of 9/11, Lee Harris. In it, Harris focuses on the next great conflict: the war between the civilized world and the international terrorists who wish to destroy it.
Harris’ brilliant tour through the stages of civilization, from Sparta to the French Revolution to the present, demonstrates that civilization depends upon brute force, properly wielded by a sovereign. Today, only America can play the role of sovereign on the world stage, by the use of force when necessary.
Lee Harris’ articles have been hailed by thinkers from across the spectrum, and his message is an enduring one that will change the way readers think about the war with Iraq, about terrorism, and about our future.
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"A really interesting book about what it means to have an enemy and how societies/civilizations have delt with that reality in history. A pretty quick read the author is good about staying focused on his message and not drowning the reader in philosophy or too much history. "
— Taft (4 out of 5 stars)
“Harris’ book is so engaging that it is difficult to put down, and its haunting assessments make it difficult for a reader to sleep at night. He deserves praise for raising serious questions.”
— New York Times“This book is an unusually clear-eyed recapitulation of the core principles from which civilization must be depended today—principles which, if lost, will take that civilization down with them.”
— Human Events“A learned, imaginative study of the new world of the twenty-first century and the opening gun, 9/11, of World War III. We know in our gut and in our rhetoric that our world is changed forever—but how and why and what has changed is what Lee Harris’ brilliant analysis is all about.”
— Arnold Beichman, author of Nine Lies about America“Lee Harris has emerged as the reigning philosopher of 9/11...With relentless logic and help from such thinkers as Plato and Hegel, he dissects the West’s strong and weak points, then unsparingly draws conclusions about the deep-seated changes that need to be made to achieve victory over a ruthless foe. Those conclusions, often disturbing, will prompt much reflection.”
— Daniel Pipes" A really interesting book about what it means to have an enemy and how societies/civilizations have delt with that reality in history. A pretty quick read the author is good about staying focused on his message and not drowning the reader in philosophy or too much history. "
— Taft, 8/12/2012" One of the best books for understanding the mindset of the sheep. "
— Kessa, 7/31/2012" This is a very interesting book. It's pretty philosophical, though. And the author assumes that the reader has read up on all their philosophers, which led to me muddling through large sections. It's definitely a thinking book. "
— Suz, 12/13/2010" Why did it feel like extreme ranting, pro-war propaganda? "
— Scarlet, 6/4/2010" Suggested by a friend. "
— Calebva, 1/26/2009Lee Harris is the author of mystery novels featuring ex-nun Christine Bennett, who first appeared in The Good Friday Murder, an Edgar Award nominee. She also writes the New York Mysteries, which debuted with Murder in Hell’s Kitchen. In 2001, Lee Harris received RT Book Reviews’ Career Achievement Award for her distinguished contribution to crime writing.
Barrett Whitener has been narrating audiobooks since 1992. His recordings have won several awards, including the prestigious Audie Award and numerous Earphones Awards. AudioFile magazine has named him one of the Best Voices of the Century.