On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder is a concise and powerful guide that draws from historical examples to offer practical advice on resisting authoritarianism and preserving democratic freedoms. Below is a summary of the twenty lessons presented in the book:The Guardian
📘 Overview
Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian specializing in European history and the Holocaust, wrote On Tyranny as a response to the rising threats to democracy observed in contemporary politics. By examining the failures of democracies in the 20th century, particularly in Europe, Snyder distills twenty lessons aimed at empowering individuals to recognize and resist the signs of tyranny.
🧭 Twenty Lessons
- Do not obey in advance
Authoritarian regimes often rely on the population’s willingness to conform without being asked. Anticipatory obedience teaches power what it can do. - Defend institutions
Institutions don’t protect themselves. Stand up for them, as they are essential to preserving democracy. - Beware the one-party state
Support a multi-party system and democratic elections. A single party’s dominance can lead to authoritarianism. - Take responsibility for the face of the world
The symbols and slogans you display reflect your values. Be mindful of the messages you endorse. - Remember professional ethics
Maintain ethical standards in your profession. Professional integrity can serve as a barrier against tyranny. - Be wary of paramilitaries
When leaders create or support paramilitary forces, it’s a sign of declining democracy. - Be reflective if you must be armed
If you carry weapons, recognize the potential for misuse and the importance of lawful conduct. - Stand out
Courageous individuals who resist tyranny often inspire others. Don’t be afraid to be different. - Be kind to our language
Avoid clichés and jargon. Clear language promotes clear thinking and resists propaganda. - Believe in truth
Facts matter. Without a shared reality, democracy cannot function. - Investigate
Seek out reliable sources of information. Support investigative journalism. - Make eye contact and small talk
Personal interactions build community and trust, which are essential for a healthy society. - Practice corporeal politics
Engage in physical acts of protest and participation. Being present in public spaces matters. - Establish a private life
Protect your privacy. Authoritarian regimes thrive on the absence of personal boundaries. - Contribute to good causes
Support organizations and movements that promote democratic values. - Learn from peers in other countries
Stay informed about global events and learn from the experiences of others facing similar challenges. - Listen for dangerous words
Be alert to the use of language that normalizes discrimination and violence. - Be calm when the unthinkable arrives
In times of crisis, remain composed and deliberate in your actions. - Be a patriot
A patriot supports democratic institutions and the rule of law, not a single leader. - Be as courageous as you can
Courage is essential in resisting tyranny. Even small acts of bravery can have significant impact.
Snyder’s On Tyranny serves as a manual for recognizing and resisting the early signs of authoritarianism. By learning from the past, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard democratic values and institutions.
Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century presents twenty concise, historically grounded lessons aimed at helping citizens recognize and resist the early signs of authoritarianism. Here’s a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the key points:
1. Do Not Obey in Advance
- Anticipatory obedience paves the way for authoritarianism. Citizens should resist the urge to conform preemptively to oppressive norms.
2. Defend Institutions
- Democratic institutions are not self-sustaining; they require active defense from citizens to prevent erosion.
3. Beware the One-Party State
- A single dominant party can dismantle democracy. Supporting a multiparty system is crucial to maintaining democratic balance.
4. Take Responsibility for the Face of the World
- Symbols and slogans matter. Opposing hate symbols and propaganda helps prevent normalization of oppressive ideologies.
5. Remember Professional Ethics
- Professionals must uphold ethical standards, resisting orders that compromise moral integrity.
6. Be Wary of Paramilitaries
- The rise of paramilitary groups often signals the decline of democratic order. Vigilance against such forces is necessary.
7. Be Reflective if You Must Be Armed
- Those in armed professions should be prepared to refuse unlawful orders that violate democratic principles.
8. Stand Out
- Individual acts of courage can inspire collective resistance. Don’t be afraid to be different when it matters.
9. Be Kind to Our Language
- Clear and precise language counters propaganda. Avoid clichés and speak truthfully to maintain clarity of thought.
10. Believe in Truth
- Accepting objective reality is essential. Without truth, a society cannot function democratically.
11. Investigate
- Support investigative journalism and seek out reliable sources to stay informed and resist manipulation.
12. Make Eye Contact and Small Talk
- Personal interactions build community and trust, which are antidotes to authoritarian isolation.
13. Practice Corporeal Politics
- Engage physically in civic life—attend protests, meetings, and public gatherings to demonstrate commitment to democratic values.
14. Establish a Private Life
- Protect your privacy to prevent authoritarian regimes from exploiting personal information.
15. Contribute to Good Causes
- Support organizations and causes that promote democratic principles and human rights.
16. Learn from Peers in Other Countries
- Observe and learn from the experiences of other nations to recognize and resist authoritarian trends.
17. Listen for Dangerous Words
- Be alert to language that normalizes discrimination and violence; such rhetoric often precedes oppressive actions.
18. Be Calm When the Unthinkable Arrives
- In times of crisis, maintain composure and uphold democratic values rather than succumbing to fear.
19. Be a Patriot
- True patriotism involves defending democratic institutions and principles, not uncritical loyalty to leaders.
20. Be as Courageous as You Can
- Courage is essential in resisting tyranny; even small acts of bravery can have significant impact.
Snyder emphasizes that the preservation of democracy requires active participation and vigilance from its citizens. By learning from historical precedents, individuals can recognize early signs of authoritarianism and take steps to counteract them.
