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The Demon in Democracy

Totalitarian Temptations in Free Societies
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Demon in Democracy by Ryszard Legutko explores the similarities between liberal democracy and communism, arguing that both systems share certain ideological traits that can lead to the suppression of individuality and diversity. The book delves into the philosophical and political dynamics that underpin modern democratic societies, offering a critical examination of their potential to mimic authoritarian tendencies. It's a thought-provoking analysis of how political ideologies can shape societies in unexpected ways.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5400

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by the intersection of politics and ideology, particularly the comparisons between liberal democracy and communist regimes. It delves into the philosophical and practical aspects of how these systems mirror each other in unexpected ways, offering a thought-provoking analysis for those interested in political theory and current affairs.

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Translation of: Triumf czlowieka pospolitego.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Ryszard Legutko lived and suffered under communism for decades—fighting with the Polish anti-communist movement to abolish it. After living for two decades under a liberal democracy, he discovered that these two political systems have much more in common than one might think. Both stem from the same historical roots in early modernity and accept similar presuppositions about history, society, religion, politics, culture, and human nature.

In The Demon in Democracy, Legutko explores the shared objectives between these two political systems, explaining how liberal democracy has, over time, lurched towards the same goals as communism, albeit without Soviet-style brutality.

Both systems, says Legutko, reduce human nature to that of the common man, who is led to believe himself liberated from the obligations of the past. Both the communist man and the liberal democratic man refuse to admit that there exists anything of value outside the political systems to which they pledged their loyalty. Furthermore, both systems refuse to undertake any critical examination of their ideological prejudices.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781594039911

Publisher: Encounter Books,USA

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 June 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Encounter Books,USA

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 200

About the Author

Ryszard Legutko is a professor of philosophy at Jagellonian University in Krakow, Poland, specializing in ancient philosophy and political theory. His most recent book is on the philosophy of Socrates. He has served as the Minister of Education, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the late President Lech Kaczynski, and Deputy Speaker of the Senate and is active in the anti-communist movement in Poland. He is currently a Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of European Conservatives and Reformists, and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

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