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Whose Freedom?: The Battle Over America’s Most Important Idea Audiobook
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(3.09) - 152 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Freedom is one of the most contested words in our deeply polarized nation. This eye-opening work reveals how this has happened and how it will continue on all fronts, economic, education, healthcare, religion, science, civil justice, and security, unless we reframe the debate with traditional progressive ideas of empathy, integrity, and responsibility.
Engaged citizens can regain their power. Our government can function honestly. In this critical time for our country, Lakoff argues that it is possible for progressives to reclaim freedom and communicate effectively about its real meaning.
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"This book begins at the neuro level of the brain and then works its way out to political discourse. Written by a linguist who studies the inner-workings of the brain, The Political Mind provides insight as to how framing a conversation can really change the course of history. "
— Gwen (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“George Lakoff has made pathbreaking contributions to cognitive science. In Whose Freedom? he uses several of his discoveries and much wisdom to produce a systematic analysis of contemporary society and political thinking. The result is illuminating.”
— Antonio Damasio, author of Descartes’ Error and Looking for Spinoza -
“In the battle of ideas, George Lakoff is one of the progressive movement’s Five-Star Generals. Here he shows what we must do to take back precious ground lost to the Right—the concept of 'freedom,' on which America’s very foundation is built. Read this and arm yourself.”
— Robert B. Reich, Professor of Public Policy at University California at Berkeley and former U.S. Secretary of Labor -
“George Lakoff's new book is as enjoyable to read as it is important to understand. It comes at a critical time for our country. Because freedom has always been a progressive concept, it is time for progressives to reclaim the word and its meaning in today's context. Mr. Lakoff shows us how.”
— Former Senator Tom Daschle -
“Lakoff, a linguist, delivers an emphatic narration of his book, with special vocal attention to the word 'freedom,' which appears at least 10 times per page. He navigates listeners through his intense prose with an impressive ability to contextualize his message.”
— AudioFile magazine -
“[Lakoff] makes a very persuasive argument that Democrats have allowed Republicans to hijack words such as 'freedom' and 'liberty' in fundamental ways that have undercut Democrats' credibility.”
— Chicago Tribune
Whose Freedom? Listener Reviews
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" This book is informative on the framing of issues and the differences between the psychology of conservatives and liberals. "
— Ob-jonny, 12/4/2013 -
" Another compelling read about how the Right frames the politcal discussions.... "
— Brent, 11/21/2013 -
" Excellent book and worth reading but if you want a shorter version of basically the same ideas, something to help you retain the essential talking points, you might want to read another book by Lakoff, Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision. "
— Kemaki45, 8/8/2013 -
" All Lakoff's books are good but begin to be repetitive when you have read several "
— Martine, 6/9/2013 -
" Should be required reading for anyone with left-leaning political views. "
— Teji, 2/16/2013 -
" Whose freedom do you want??? "
— Crystal, 11/25/2012 -
" Needless iteration of excellent talking points. Lakoff tangles us up in his own intensity. "
— Erika, 8/10/2012 -
" Good, but slow going. Shows the different mind sets of conservatives and progressives. Hope is hard to find. "
— Dick, 5/9/2012 -
" This book blew my mind. For the first time in forty years that I finally understand why the American people have been so bamboozled. <br/>This is a must READ for every progressive thinking person in the USA; probably England too. "
— William, 2/26/2011 -
" "If you believe in the 18th century view of the mind, you will look and act wimpy. You will think that all you need to do is give people the right gacts and figures and they will recah the right conclusion." -- sound about right. "
— Ruger, 1/30/2011 -
" I read it, I agree with the premise. BUT, I do believe very few of the voters who need to understand this concept will ever read this book. My only hope that it will be at all beneficial is if a few of the policians would read it and modify their campaigns accordingly. "
— Vicki, 10/3/2010 -
" great audio book, unabridged. interesting ideas, need to learn more about linguistics and cognitive neuroscience. metaphors give us frames...narratives are key "
— Jose, 5/29/2010 -
" I thought this book was terrific in explaining the differences between thought patterns and meaning that people assign to the same experience or words. "
— Mark, 1/10/2010
About George Lakoff
George Lakoff is an American cognitive linguist best known for his thesis that lives of individuals are influenced by the central metaphors used to explain complex phenomena. He has written several works on mathematics, politics, and language, including Metaphors We Live By, which introduced his metaphor thesis. He is a professor of linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1972.