The Big Lie Book Summary - The Big Lie Book explained in key points
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The Big Lie summary

Exposing the Nazi Roots of the American Left

3 (163 ratings)
22 mins

Brief summary

The Big Lie by Dinesh D'Souza uncovers the truth behind the left's obsession with fascism and Nazism. It reveals the real history of the two political ideologies and their origins.

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    The Big Lie
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    The Left spins the big lie that President Trump and the Republicans are racists and Nazis.

    Our story begins with Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Early in his career, Freud became aware of a phenomenon he named transference.

    This is what happens when, for instance, a criminal blames his misdeeds on his victims. It’s not just distorting the truth; it’s turning the truth on its head. Put simply, it’s a big lie.

    D'Souza believes that big lies play a major role in today’s politics, the worst big lie being the notion, propagated by the Left, that racism and Nazism are inherently right-wing. Even American Republicans and conservatives have started believing this.

    People on the Left see racism and Nazism as ideologies of the Right, with Democrats and progressives being the historical forces of emancipation, equality and civil rights.

    But the author thinks otherwise. For him, the American Left were proponents of slavery and the extermination of Native Americans. They promoted racial segregation and even opposed the Civil Rights Movement.

    The author also believes that the American Left is spreading a big lie by accusing President Trump and the Republican Party of racism and fascism.

    And, in his view, academia, Hollywood and the media are helping to spread it.

    The left-wing author Chris Hedges claimed that Trump’s presidency was the “dress rehearsal for fascism.” Meanwhile, the Hollywood actor Ashley Judd, in response to Trump’s election, declared that “Hitler is in these streets.”

    The charge of fascism has also been leveled by Democrats. The Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley even accused Trump of bringing “fascist appeal right into the White House.”

    To D'Souza, the American Left is just playing the fascism and Nazi cards. It’s an alarmist and sensational way to condemn conservatism.

    The author wants to show that racism and Nazism have nothing to do with Republicans or conservatives. For him, as these blinks try to explain, the progressive political Left are the real fascists.

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    What is The Big Lie about?

    The Big Lie (2017) is a right-wing account of current American political events. Author Dinesh D’Souza thinks that attacks against Trump from the Left are unfair. The progressive Left claim that Trump is a racist and a fascist, and have likened him to a Nazi, but this book radically upends these accusations. For D’Souza, the American Left is recycling one big lie. It’s the Democrats who are the real Nazis, the true fascists and racists.

    The Big Lie Review

    The Big Lie (2017) by Dinesh D’Souza is an eye-opening exploration of the left's efforts to rewrite history and manipulate public opinion. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Packed with well-researched evidence, it exposes the falsehoods perpetuated by the progressive movement and challenges readers to think critically about the narrative.
    • By delving into the historical context and examining the motives behind the revisionist agenda, D’Souza presents a compelling case that demands attention.
    • Through its thought-provoking insights and thoughtfully constructed arguments, the book ensures that readers will not find a dull moment, making it an engaging and intellectually stimulating read.

    Best quote from The Big Lie

    In a sick inversion, the real fascists in American politics masquerade as anti-fascists and accuse the real anti-fascists of being fascists.

    —Dinesh D’Souza
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    Who should read The Big Lie?

    • Conservatives, Republicans, Trump-supporters, right-wing voters
    • Historians and political scientists
    • Progressive and liberal voters who want to understand populist arguments

    About the Author

    Dinesh D’Souza is a conservative author, speaker and filmmaker. His three films – Hillary’s America, America and 2016 – were all greatly successful. His recent books include Obama’s America and America: Imagine a World Without Her.

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    The Big Lie FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Big Lie?

    The main message of The Big Lie is an exploration of how the left uses Nazi techniques to discredit conservatives.

    How long does it take to read The Big Lie?

    The reading time for The Big Lie varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Big Lie a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Big Lie is a thought-provoking read that sheds light on an important topic. It's worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the current political landscape.

    Who is the author of The Big Lie?

    Dinesh D’Souza is the author of The Big Lie.

    What to read after The Big Lie?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Big Lie, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Authoritarian Moment by Ben Shapiro
    • Prequel by Rachel Maddow
    • Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates
    • Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis
    • Liars by Cass R. Sunstein
    • The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff
    • The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson