Amazing food for thought

This is a rather comprehensive and detailed account of our concept of freedom, how there is more a delusion of freedom in modern society and lastly how to create freedom.
Well, to be honest, I don't know whether the title was chosen wisely. It implies an easy step-by-step guide, which I'm not sure we're getting here.
But what we're getting is brilliant. There are too many chapters to mention specifically all that is contained here. Highlights include myth-busting of the banking crisis, of euphemistic rhetoric, of mass manipulation, corporate greed and how all these things contribute to take more freedom from the many and give it to the few.
While this may sound like a conspiracy theory and left-wing anti-capitalism, it's far from it. Regardless of ideology, those mechanisms work and serve those in power.
Ultimately, it provides information with credible facts and data, only trying to give us the knowledge and understanding so we can make more informed decisions and stop being lied to and manipulated.
I think in times of Trump and Media moguls we all know how truth can become a commodity, as much as humans and nature have become commodities.
This book was an eye-opener for me, re-inforced some believes and taught me new things.
The message goes far beyond the political and I can only urge you to read this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

An excellent initial exposition meanders over time

The core concept of this book is very strong and its initial sections are excellent. The main elements of the position are well articulated and the alignment with common sense is well drawn, but Martinez veers quite strongly into a view of the world and society which is more heavily ideological than strictly linked to the overarching theory. While I agree with pretty much everything he says, I fear that some people may be turned off the book for the ideological slant and miss the strong position relating to the nature of being human, the impact of environment and genetics on our situation in life.

It's a great book, there is a lot to engage with here, but I feel there are perhaps two books nestled in one, when the theory itself deserved a book to itself, a book more directly and consistently related to the theory.

Regardless, a great listen with crucial lessons throughout.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

very insightful and interesting book. loved it.

Incredibly insightful read one of the breast books I've read in a while wig the exception of homo sapians. this book is a must read for those who are unsure of the current ideology we currently ascribe to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A comprehensive and scholarly defence of humanity

I’m really grateful to Mr Martinez for pulling together such a robust and wide-ranging defence of our shared humanity when we are confronted with the rampant corruption and cruelty of those in power. I have found this deeply researched and thoughtful work both uplifting and enlightening.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Real mind opener!

It's refreshing to hear the other side of the coin and will broaden your viewpoints.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Should be read by everybody.

Excellent book about the severe problems of the modern world and a guide to solutions. The book will challenge the readers views of the world and hopefully help them in dealing with it. An optimistic view of humanity.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Deeply thought provoking...

A well written and interesting insight into many of our perceptions and beliefs and the way that we view our society. An altogether compassionate and fascinating review of the social and political structures of our day.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Creating freedom through control

This book makes little sense. Analysis is not nuanced, causation of all situations analysed seem to be a problem of capitalism. I dont think the author even knows well enough what capitalism is, If he did he would know it is freedom and what he has an issue with is bIg business, big government cronyism. He doesnt even analyse the monetary system in the context of how can you have freedom/capitalism with state controlled money, which rigs the game. At one point he mentions deomocracy is freedom for all. This is just far too superficial. What if the majority of people vote to tyranise a minority, You could certainly have a democracy that votes to substancially limit individual freedoms. This reads like a book by a central planner, perhaps thats why its called creating freedom, rather than simply recognising freedoms.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

repetative and poorly argued

What would have made Creating Freedom better?

This book is like a wife that can not help but telling all about her horrible ex-husband.
Maybe Interesting for other divorcees, boring and repetitive for the rest of us.

Nothing can improve this . . just avoid it . . especially if you like your cases well thought trough.

What was most disappointing about Raoul Martinez’s story?

Extremely repetitive, just stating the same thing over and over again.

The strange thing is that I agreed on beforehand with what is stated
But this is not the way to intelligently argue the case
The case deserves an advocate that has far more intellectual integrity.

What three words best describe Jot Davies’s performance?

Over-enthusiastic, shouting, over-emotional.
(The presentation style perfectly matches the content).

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Can I have my money back?

Any additional comments?

Avoid this

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Marxist propaganda piece

The author is an economically illiterate marxist. The whole purpose of the book is communist propaganda. It's all quite simple and rather predictable. False dichotomies presented time and again. The other side is completely strawmanned.

If you want an intelligent book on politics and economics, I would suggest The Myth of the Rational Voter instead.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful