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On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
When political leaders set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become more important. It is hard to subvert a rule-of-law state without lawyers, or to hold show trials without judges. Authoritarians need obedient civil servants, and concentration camp directors seek businessmen interested in cheap labor.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
A party emboldened by a favorable election result, or denying an unfavorable one, might change the system from within.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
The symbols of today enable the reality of tomorrow. Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away, and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Stand out. Someone has to. It is easy to follow along. It can feel strange to do or say something different. But without that unease, there is no freedom. Remember Rosa Parks. The moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Life is political, not because the world cares about how you feel, but because the world reacts to what you do.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
The parties that remade states and suppressed rivals were not omnipotent from the start. They exploited a historic moment to make political life impossible for their opponents. So support the multi-party system and defend the rules of democratic elections. Vote in local and state elections while you can. Consider running for office.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
If you carry a weapon in public service, may God bless you and keep you. But know that evils of the past involved policemen and soldiers finding themselves, one day, doing irregular things. Be ready to say no.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Believe in truth. To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle. The biggest wallet pays for the most blinding lights.
Timothy Snyder • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking, even if only to convey that thing you think everyone is saying. Make an effort to separate yourself from the internet. Read books.