The Open Society and Its EnemiesThe Open Society and Its Enemies
Score Classic
What it's about
Written during the Second World War, Karl Popper's book attacks the idea that history follows fixed laws, an idea he traces through Plato, Hegel and Marx, and argues that it leads to totalitarianism. Against it he defends the 'open society', democratic, tolerant and willing to correct its mistakes through criticism and reform.
Why it's worth reading
It's on both the Modern Library and Guardian lists of the best nonfiction. It's a founding work of modern liberal thought.
You'll love it if you liked
On Liberty
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Darkness at NoonGood to know
It's two long, demanding volumes. Some readers think his reading of Plato is unfair.
By the numbers
- Readers72 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller5 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking
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Quick answers
Is The Open Society and Its Enemies worth reading?
Yes. It's on both the Modern Library and Guardian lists of the best nonfiction. It ranks #407 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 79.6 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Open Society and Its Enemies about?
Written during the Second World War, Karl Popper's book attacks the idea that history follows fixed laws, an idea he traces through Plato, Hegel and Marx, and argues that it leads to totalitarianism. Against it he defends the 'open society', democratic, tolerant and willing to correct its mistakes through criticism and reform.
How long does it take to read The Open Society and Its Enemies?
About 22 hours (896 pages), or about 6 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Open Society and Its Enemies?
If you liked it, try On Liberty by John Stuart Mill, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn or Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler.