On Tyranny

Publisher's Summary

The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the 20th century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience.

©2017 Timothy Snyder (P)2017 Random House Audio

Important read/listen

The author is a little monotone so be sure you have no distractions around you when listening. I couldn't listen while driving either and found walking to be the best. The meaning in his words and ideas are powerful, terrifying, and utterly important to understand. Please read or listen to this book!

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

Required reading

Mr. Snyder presents a succinct guide to recognizing the signs of tyrannical government and acting to counter its influences. This work is unfortunately now required reading for all citizens that hope to continue to live in a functioning democratic society.

The book lays out, using examples drawn especially from Central and Eastern European history, the tactics that allowed and then fueled the rise of tyrannical regimes. In concrete steps, the author demonstrates how our predecessors failed to stop or succeeded in prevent dictatorial states from consolidating power. It was easy to listen to and left this writer feeling empowered to act!

24 of 26 people found this review helpful

History does not repeat, but it does instruct.

Dr. Snyder, the Levin professor of history at Yale, delivers a short and powerful primer on resisting fascism/tyranny in the 21st Century, using the rise of fascism in 20th Century as a guide. In easily digestible chapters (twenty, obviously) Snyder seeks to use lessons from the rise of Fascism (and Totalitarianism) to assist readers in this current moment globally. We are seeing the rise of Nationalism. It isn't meant to be comprehensive, but more of a hornbook for resisting movements away from democracy and towards fascism. It is also meant to highlight early signs of tyranny in government and media.

I enjoyed all the chapters, and like in a nice restaurant with small portions, my major complaint was I was still hungry when I finished. While there are 20 ideas/lessons/chapter, the book really has a couple of themes. One is community: defend and participate in it. Another is language and truth: seek it, pay for it, respect it. Another is taking a risk: stand up, or at a minimum, do not surrender to the crowds or lazy thinking. Finally, and this makes sense, one is historical: understand that history is not inevitable or mythical. We need to understand things DO happen and we CAN impact the future. The individual chapters (small lessons) included in the book are:

1. Do not obey in advance.
2. Defend institutions.
3. Beware the one-party state.
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world.
5. Remeber professional ethics
6. Be wary of paramilitaries.
7. Be reflective if you must be armed.
8. Stand out.
9. Be kind ot our language.
10. Belive in truth.
11. Investigate.
12. Make eye contact and small talk.
13. Practice corporeal politics.
14. Establish a private life.
15. Contribute to good causes.
16. Learn from peers in other countries.
17. Listen for dangerous words.
18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
19. Be a patriot.
20. Be as courageous as you can.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Must Read

A critical review of our current situation juxtaposed with history of tyranny. We ignore it at our peril.

16 of 18 people found this review helpful

Thoughtful actions for our current political troubles

An excellent book. All citizens everywhere should read it and think about how we all are responsible for the current and future situations of our countries. It points out important things we can learn from the rise of fascism and nazism in the past and how we can act now to try to prevent them from taking hold now and doing away with our democracy. Very worth reading, thinking about, discussing and acting on.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A haiku of history

Timothy Snyder's book is one of the most extraordinary works I have ever encountered. Full of passion, poetry, and--above all--clear thinking--it makes the strongest possible case for understanding history as a means of interpreting and addressing the disordered world of now.

23 of 27 people found this review helpful

required reading in today's world.

When debating how to move forward, it's important to remember the lessons of history. Let's put the work in.

11 of 13 people found this review helpful

Written Well, But For A Narrow Audience

I really appreciated the stories and examples that were given in this book to demonstrate the dangers that we face today, and how the past influences our future, but as a moderate person, I couldn't recommend this book to friends that did vote for the current president, as they would likely feel demeaned. While I understand that this book was not written for those folks, I feel like the message is needed on that side of the political spectrum as well, but perhaps written in a less polarizing tone. Overall a great listen, and I really am grateful for the suggestions and stories.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Fabulous and insightful book! I hope everyone reads it!

It's concise, insightful, and particularly timely in today's political climate. I liked that it was narrated by Timothy Snyder himself, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. I will be recommending it to all my friends!

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

upcoming tyranny?

Reminder of political tricks and changes that can lead to a tyranny. point: beware and do something. do not be a bystander.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful