I actually found this to be an incredibly good listen in audio recording format. Ignatieff covers a vast range of topics over the course of five lectures, all dealing with the history of rights revolutions and the current status of rights around the world, from a uniquely Canadian perspective. Though I feel like he sometimes seemed too dispassionate about major issues in feminist and anti-racism philosophies, and often spoke too much as if such struggles were in the past tense, despite continually reminding the audience that they are ongoing, he was surprisingly well versed in such dialogues. I actually learned a great deal about Canadian history and politics from his seamless blend of political commentary, philosophical observations, and historical anecdotes. Though at some points he came across as a little too "bleeding heart" and sappy for my liking, on the whole I found this to be a refreshingly progressive piece. He could use a bit more education on queer issues, and I don't agree with all his arguments, by any means, but I think that politically speaking, I would have been happy to have him as prime minister. I know most people see him as too academic, and he had his failures running as liberal leader, but compared to Harper, he seems like an angelic figure of radical social democracy. Definitely revitalises my faith in the liberal party to continue being relevant and worthy competition for my frequently NDP vote. Makes me wonder what the state of our country would be had he had a chance at leading it...
