34 pages 1 hour read

Noam Chomsky

Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky analyzes the rise of income inequality in the US over the past four decades, attributing it to neoliberalism’s concentration of wealth and power among the elite. Chomsky outlines ten principles employed by the wealthy to undermine democracy, including financialization, manipulating ideology, shifting economic burdens, attacking solidarity, influencing elections, controlling regulations, undermining labor, manufacturing consent, and promoting division to maintain control. The book examines how these methods affect socioeconomic conditions and democratic values in contemporary society. The book addresses sensitive topics such as systemic economic inequality and political manipulation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Noam Chomsky's Requiem for the American Dream provides a compelling critique of wealth inequality and corporate influence in American politics. Reviews praise Chomsky's clear analysis and engaging arguments, though some note his pessimistic tone and lack of actionable solutions. Nonetheless, it is widely regarded as a significant contribution to political discourse.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Requiem for the American Dream?

A reader who values critical analysis of social and political structures would enjoy Requiem for the American Dream by Noam Chomsky. Comparable to Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty and The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, it suits those interested in inequality, democracy, and the concentration of wealth and power.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Business / Economics

Politics / Government

Philosophy

Themes

Society: Economics

Society: Class

Society: Politics & Government

Genre

American Literature

Philosophy