Our Own Worst Enemy

The Assault from Within on Modern Democracy

By: Tom Nichols

Narrated by: Tom Nichols

Over the past three decades, citizens of democracies who claim to value freedom, tolerance, and the rule of law have increasingly embraced illiberal politicians and platforms. Democracy is in trouble - but who is really to blame?

In Our Own Worst Enemy, Tom Nichols challenges the current depictions of the rise of illiberal and antidemocratic movements in the United States and elsewhere as the result of the deprivations of globalization or the malign decisions of elites. Rather, he places the blame for the rise of illiberalism on the people themselves. Nichols traces the illiberalism of the 21st century to the growth of unchecked narcissism, rising standards of living, global peace, and a resistance to change. Ordinary citizens, laden with grievances, have joined forces with political entrepreneurs who thrive on the creation of rage rather than on the encouragement of civic virtue and democratic cooperation. While it will be difficult, Nichols argues that we need to defend democracy by resurrecting the virtues of altruism, compromise, stoicism, and cooperation - and by recognizing how good we've actually had it in the modern world.

©2021 Oxford University Press (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

A Hard Look in the Mirror

This book is a hard look in the mirror of our current society and priorities. Fascinating analysis of how we got here and where we may end up if we don’t do a critical course correction.

Perspective of an 80’s Republican

Great insight, well told. Not just a hyper liberal or Trumpish slant. Reality check for all.

Terrifying because it feels true

Nichols reads his own work well. I heard him talk on a podcast and so decided to listen to this book. It was excellent … and terrifying. I can only hope that we can reverse/avoid the trends and pitfalls in our current government enough to avoid the bleak scenarios he presents at the end of the book.

Absolutely brilliant in every way!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is the most candid, forthright, and (oddly) inspiring book I have read over a lifetime of very good books. I would say it is “honest” but it is *more* than honest. A current of deep, almost sacred, truth as well as a loving appreciation of history, hold this master work together. Thank you, Tom, for taking the time and focus to share so many of your well-considered thoughts and history with me. I feel larger as a result.

Very insightful

Very insightful look at the state of US politics and society in the age of polarization, narcissism, and the effect that low information voters are having on our liberal democratic order. Most interesting for me was his debunking the myth that globalization has destroyed the American dream. I highly recommend.