An interesting book that first got me to think about public political discourse as a way to influence how people view different issues. That is, when you hear a political topic being discussed try to not think about the two sides directly being discussed. Instead, try to think about how else one could view the issue. The presentation of the two sides could be just a way to keep your attention away from a third option. Lakoff tries to point this out by saying "Don't think of an elephant." No matter how hard you try, you'll always think of an elephant. Instead, when he says that, try to think about a dog instead....

Remember, there is no spoon... ( )

Good point. ( )

As all the endorsements of this book state, it's necessary reading for "progressives."

Not much to disagree with, except perhaps a tendency to oversimplify with the two family models Lakoff identifies. I think Lakoff also prematurely extends his analysis of American politics to politics tout court: I would venture that American politics is, among post-industrial countries, uniquely characterized by tendencies to vote according to one's values rather than according to a candidate/party's proposed policies. ( )

politics, debate ( )

although this book is a guide for "progressives," it offers all a new way of thinking that can be applied to people of many beliefs. ( )