On Tyranny: 20 Essential Lessons from the 20th Century for Resisting Oppression

RHG: If you doubt that history repeats itself -- or at least rhymes as Mark Twain said -- read this book. As the author writes, the parallels between today and the rise of fascism a century ago are striking. In twenty short chapters, each readable in a few minutes, we learn how to recognize the growing signs of tyranny, and how to resist it.

In Chapter Six we learn "Armed groups first degrade a political order, and then transform it." That certainly happened in Germany when Nazi Brown Shirts cleared opponents from the halls of Hitler's political rallies. On January 6, we saw violent groups claiming to be patriots storm the Capitol.

In Chapter Ten, the author describes the four modes truth dies in a democracy: 1) presenting lies as if they were facts, 2) the use of "endless repetition" where anyone pointing to truth became the enemy. 3) the use of "magical thinking" in which truth is turned upside down e.g. the only way we can lose an election is if it's stolen, and 4) "misplaced faith" when followers believe, as did many Nazis believed, "understanding is useless, you have to have faith. I believe in the Fuhrer." Today, Donald Trump has convinced his followers that “I...

United States on Feb 03, 2024

Deedee Whitehead: With the ongoing political climate it is important to understand how to maintain our Democratic countries. This book is necessary to read. I recommend it to everyone I know

Canada on Dec 07, 2023

Santi Prasad Chatterjee: It's very topical. The language is simple. Historical references are poignant. Should be read by everyone interested in the future of the country and the world. The signs of fascist attack on democracy is everywhere, and it's winning in most countries, whether advanced or developing. This book enables you to understand the causes of why things are happening as they are. A must read. The only thing-- I wish Timothy Snider could expand certain ideas a bit more; it's too brief on occasions.

India on Jul 08, 2023

Igor: Absolutely amazing deep analysis of the dramatic past of 20th century. Clear and promising mind-set for us to rethink our efforts, approach to education and bringing up children. Strongly recommended book for those who don’t want to be free and independent.

Italy on Oct 12, 2022

Mandatory Happy User of A to Z: Does pretty well to describe nazi and communist ways of seizing power in good detail. Then slabs on a great deal of "orange man bad". Trump was not like Hitler or Stalin, although this book will have you think so.

Sweden on Aug 14, 2021

Joseph William Marek: Make no mistake about it! This is a very important book. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Buy it and read it!

"1. Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is feely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts this way is teaching power what it can do.
"8. 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 … The moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.
"2. Defend institutions. It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless you make them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about – a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union – and take its side."

In the first chapter Snyder gives illustrations of people who follow an authority, no matters...

United States on Mar 24, 2021

Jose Dantas Junior: Um livro curto, que consegue condensar estratégias de manipulação de líderes inescrupulosos e racionais existentes nas populações que podem facilitar o sucesso de tais líderes. Um certo dia, tudo mudou, e mudou porque não estávamos atentos e caímos nas armadilhas que foram colocadas no caminho, com o nosso apoio. Armadilhas antigas, mas testadas e efetivas, sob as condições certas. Este livro pode ajudar-nos a reconhecê-las e evitá-las, não apenas nos EUA (a cujo público se destina) mas em qualquer lugar no qual autoritarismo e redução de liberdades esteja na agenda de grupos de poder.

Brazil on Aug 25, 2020

Guillermo: BOOK REVIEW | NON FICTION

Discover What Threatens Democracy to Preserve It
By GUILLERMO BRUNO | FEB. 4, 2017

ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY by Timothy Snyder (New York: Tim Duggan Books, 2017), 126 pp.

This book “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder took inspiration from the outcome of the 2016 United States presidential election. Snyder, a professor of History at Yale, informs us that if we want to keep democracy, we must learn to find its weaknesses and threats to act accordingly. Since democracy does not protect itself, preserving it is a constant job which requires us to get involved, to be determined to defend our rights and to fight for the values we believe in and care for. In the twentieth century, there are several examples where democracy served as a means to allow totalitarian regimes –such as Nazism, Fascism, and Communism– to accede to power. This book reminds us that those regimes have inflicted mankind untold sufferings. However, as Maya Angelou says “… History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again…”...

United States on Feb 04, 2018