Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Assault on Reason summary
Brief summary
The Assault on Reason by Al Gore explores the decline of rational discourse in politics and the media, and offers solutions for reclaiming our democratic ideals through an informed and engaged citizenry.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Assault on Reason
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Crisis of Reason
In The Assault on Reason, Al Gore begins by addressing the crisis of reason that he observes in modern American politics. He argues that the public sphere has been overtaken by the politics of fear, secrecy, and blind faith, leading to a dangerous erosion of rational discourse and decision-making. Gore attributes this trend to the rise of mass media, particularly television, which he believes has been exploited to manipulate public opinion rather than inform and engage citizens.
Gore points to the 2000 U.S. presidential election as a pivotal moment in the assault on reason. He criticizes the media's superficial coverage of political issues, the Supreme Court's controversial intervention in the election process, and the Bush administration's subsequent use of fear to justify its policies, especially the invasion of Iraq. He argues that these events demonstrated a breakdown in the public's ability to engage in reasoned debate and hold their leaders accountable.
The Power of Fear and the Decline of Public Discourse
Building on his analysis of the 2000 election, Gore delves deeper into the power of fear in shaping public opinion. He discusses the psychological and neurological mechanisms that make individuals susceptible to fear-based appeals, and how these appeals have been used to manipulate public opinion on issues such as national security and climate change. Gore also laments the decline of public discourse, attributing it to the rise of infotainment and the decline of print media, which he believes better fosters reasoned debate.
Moreover, Gore critiques the Bush administration's use of secrecy and misinformation to advance its agenda, particularly in relation to the Iraq War. He argues that these tactics, combined with the media's failure to challenge them, led to a dangerous erosion of public trust in the government and the media. This, in turn, further weakened the public's ability to engage in reasoned political discourse.
Restoring Reason and the Role of Technology
Despite his grim assessment of the current state of American democracy, Gore remains hopeful about the potential for technology to restore reason to the public sphere. He discusses the internet's capacity to democratize information and promote interactive, fact-based debate. However, he also warns of the internet's potential to further entrench individuals in their own echo chambers, reinforcing their pre-existing beliefs rather than challenging them.
Gore concludes The Assault on Reason by calling for a renewed commitment to reason in public discourse. He argues that citizens must be vigilant in holding their leaders accountable and in seeking out reliable, fact-based information. He also emphasizes the importance of education in fostering critical thinking skills and resilience against manipulative tactics. Ultimately, Gore sees the restoration of reason as essential to the survival of democracy and the well-being of humanity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Assault on Reason about?
The Assault on Reason by Al Gore explores the decline of rational discourse in politics and society. Gore argues that the rise of media sensationalism and the manipulation of public opinion have eroded the role of reason in public debate. He calls for a renewed commitment to critical thinking and informed decision-making in order to address pressing global challenges.
The Assault on Reason Review
The Assault on Reason by Al Gore (2007) exposes the decline of rational discourse in public life, urging readers to reclaim critical thinking. Here are three reasons why this book stands out:
- Reveals the importance of reason in democracy and society's decision-making processes, shedding light on the consequences of its erosion.
- Offers a thought-provoking examination of media manipulation and political propaganda, urging readers to become active participants in the information age.
- Presents a compelling argument for restoring reason and logic in public discourse, ensuring a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Who should read The Assault on Reason?
Individuals who are interested in understanding the erosion of rational discourse in modern society
Readers who want to explore the impact of media manipulation and propaganda on public opinion
Those who seek to challenge their own cognitive biases and improve their critical thinking skills
Categories with The Assault on Reason
Book summaries like The Assault on Reason
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Assault on Reason FAQs
What is the main message of The Assault on Reason?
The book emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and rational discourse in a time of increasing political manipulation and media distortion.
How long does it take to read The Assault on Reason?
Reading The Assault on Reason takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is The Assault on Reason a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Assault on Reason is a compelling read that sheds light on vital issues facing society today, making it a worthwhile choice for critical minds.
Who is the author of The Assault on Reason?
The author of The Assault on Reason is Al Gore.
What to read after The Assault on Reason?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Assault on Reason, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- Philosophy for Life by Jules Evans
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
- The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh
- Second Treatise of the Government by John Locke
- How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life by Russ Roberts
- The Republic by Plato