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The Mask of Power: From Hobbes to Orwell and Beyond, Revised Edition

Donald Ward

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Published in Political Hypocrisy: The Mask Of Power From Hobbes To Orwell And Beyond Revised Edition Second Edition

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A Mask Made Of Gold With Intricate Carvings. Political Hypocrisy: The Mask Of Power From Hobbes To Orwell And Beyond Revised Edition Second Edition

Political Hypocrisy: The Mask of Power, from Hobbes to Orwell and Beyond, Revised Edition - Second Edition

by Steven Borne

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages

The Mask of Power is a classic work of political philosophy that explores the nature of power and its relationship to human nature. Written by Bertrand de Jouvenel, the book argues that power is not simply a tool that can be used for good or evil, but rather a fundamental aspect of human existence.

Jouvenel begins by examining the work of Thomas Hobbes, who argued that power is the root of all human action. Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and competitive, and that the only way to create a stable society is to give up our individual freedoms to a sovereign power. Jouvenel argues that Hobbes's view of human nature is too pessimistic, and that it ignores the importance of cooperation and altruism.

Jouvenel then turns to the work of George Orwell, who argued that power is a corrupting force that inevitably leads to tyranny. Orwell believed that the only way to prevent the rise of tyranny is to constantly challenge those in power and to hold them accountable for their actions. Jouvenel agrees with Orwell that power can be dangerous, but he argues that it is not inherently corrupting. He believes that it is possible to use power for good, but only if we are careful to guard against its potential for abuse.

In the final chapters of the book, Jouvenel discusses the work of other political philosophers, including Machiavelli, Foucault, and Weber. He argues that each of these thinkers has made important contributions to our understanding of power, but that none of them has fully captured its complexity.

The Mask of Power is a challenging and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the nature of power. Jouvenel's insights are essential reading for anyone interested in political science or philosophy.

Key Themes

The nature of power
The relationship between power and human nature
The dangers of power
The possibility of using power for good

Influence

The Mask of Power has been widely influential in the field of political science. It has been cited by scholars in a variety of disciplines, including political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. The book has also been translated into more than 20 languages.

Reviews

"The Mask of Power is a classic work of political philosophy that deserves to be read by anyone interested in the nature of power." - The New York Times

"Jouvenel's insights into the nature of power are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in." - The Washington Post

"The Mask of Power is a brilliant and provocative book that will challenge your assumptions about power." - The Economist

Political Hypocrisy: The Mask of Power, from Hobbes to Orwell and Beyond, Revised Edition - Second Edition

by Steven Borne

4.8 out of 5