Whose Freedom?, George Lakoff
Whose Freedom?, George Lakoff
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Whose Freedom?
The Battle Over America’s Most Important Idea

Author: George Lakoff

Narrator: George Lakoff

Unabridged: 8 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/27/2006

Synopsis

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.

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Eric

That's right, I'm recommending reading this book if you are an AMERICAN. A book about the concept of freedom written by a professor of cognitive psychology? Lakoff asserts in this piece that American freedom has ALWAYS been progressive freedom, and that it's about time to take it back. Quite possibl......more

Goodreads review by Mark

As much as I admire Lakoff and think his contributions to media studies, contemporary linguistics, and social criticism have great value, I found this book a replication of his earlier (and later) books. I don't want to diminish its value, but since I have already read other books by him, this did n......more

Goodreads review by James

Americans need to wake up to the real danger facing the liberties we have always taken for granted. In this book, Lakoff explains how the groups who call themselves conservatives on the one hand, and progressives or liberals on the other, often have totally different meanings for the same words. The......more

Quotes

“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

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