"The fact of difference is not always accepted. There are other forms of social order, like tyranny or oligarchy, that actively suppress it. But to practice politics as Crick defines it is to accept the reality of difference — that is to say, it is to accept the reality of other people whose values and views differ deeply from yours.

In my favorite line from the book, Crick writes, 'Politics involves genuine relationships with people who are genuinely other people, not tasks set for our redemption or objects for our philanthropy.'

I love that. I think the path to a better politics — perhaps even a political majority — lives within it."

Ezra Klein | New York Times

"One of the most penetrating and important critiques of ideology and ideologues."

Michael Gecan | Boston Review

“One of the most thoughtful products of the political dialogues of the London School of Economics since the great days of Tawney, Dalton, Wallas and Hobhouse. Its sobriety,
liberal spirit and toughness of mind are rare qualities in any political work.”
 

Edward Shils | The Guardian

“A short book written with verve and brilliance. . . . He has written an exceedingly clever and disturbing book on important issues, all that he writes is alive and much of what he says, even when it seems perversely provocative, turns out to be penetrating and serious.”

Isaiah Berlin | Twentieth Century