Agassi describes himself as "the foremost exponent and leading critic" of his teacher, Sir Karl Popper, who, he claims, is "the greatest philosopher of the mid-century". This account of his studies under Popper applies the idea that criticism is an expression of respect, so forcefully preached by Popper, and notes Popper's tragic failure both as a teacher and as a leader; and we learn here of Popper's failure to practice his own teachings, of Agassi's loss due to a repeated failure (...) to communicate, and the public's loss of Popper's intellectual leadership. Agassi does not hold much back, and even reports the charges of treason voiced by insiders provoked by the circulation of earlier drafts of this work. (shrink)