Amusing Ourselves to Death

When Neil Postman wrote "Amusing Ourselves to Death" 25 years ago, who could have imagined he would be so accurate in his insights! He's certainly more Huxlian that Orwellian in his insights - and just as scary. This is one very interesting, worthwhile book.

This, in my opinion, is Neil Postman's most powerful book. As usual, he warns us of something that has smacked us right between our eyes but, unfortunately, we have not managed to see it. The author sets the stage by fluently describing the social and historical setting that both preceded and proceeded the invention of the television. His main argument is simple yet of great consequence. Television is a form of entertainment, nothing more. It should not be assigned a serious job because if that happens then that serious job will be turned into mindless entertainment. I am glad that I read this book before my children had to go to school. I will make sure to check that the school they go to does not turn education into a show. There is nothing wrong with entertainment as long as we realize that it is nothing but entertainment.

This is a book that has left a strong impression - filled with undeniable truths that can literally shake you to the core if you have not previously read books of this nature. I have gone back to the introduction many times, finding the truths presented there in a few words to be an excellent description for our times. I would recommend this book highly - you will not be disappointed. We really are amusing ourselves to death.

I first found the interesting then mesmerizing them fascinating. The thoughts were disruptive, logical and amazing. I loved it.

Read this for AP English in 11th grade. It wasn't the boring-textbook-spiel at all. It's actually funny & very informative to read. There are many truthful observations detailed in this book to which I found myself agreeing. The writing style is a bit informal, so it doesn't get boring. Kept my attention through the end!