By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" is a concise yet profoundly impactful treatise that serves as both a historical analysis and a practical guide for resisting authoritarianism. Drawing from his extensive expertise in 20th-century European history, Snyder distills complex historical events into twenty accessible lessons, each offering a stark warning and actionable advice for preserving democratic institutions.

Snyder's first lesson, "Do not obey in advance," underscores the peril of anticipatory compliance, where individuals preemptively conform to perceived expectations of authoritarian regimes. He illustrates this with examples from Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, emphasizing how such obedience facilitated the rise of totalitarianism. This lesson is particularly resonant today, reminding us of the dangers of passive acquiescence to encroachments on civil liberties.

Another critical lesson, "Defend institutions," highlights the importance of safeguarding entities like the judiciary, press, and civil organizations. Snyder warns that these institutions are bulwarks against tyranny and must be actively protected from erosion. This is especially pertinent in an era where democratic norms are increasingly under threat from populist movements and autocratic tendencies.

Snyder's call to "Be kind to our language" and "Believe in truth" addresses the manipulation of language and facts by authoritarian figures. He references the work of Victor Klemperer, who analyzed how the Nazis distorted language to control thought. In today's context, where misinformation and "alternative facts" proliferate, this lesson serves as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance in preserving the integrity of discourse.

While the book is lauded for its clarity and urgency, some critics argue that its brevity may oversimplify complex historical phenomena. Richard J. Evans, in his review for The Guardian, suggests that the book could benefit from a deeper exploration of historical examples and a more nuanced analysis of the mechanisms of tyranny. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/mar/08/on-tyranny-timothy-snyder-review-trump-twenty-lessons-democracy?utm_source=openai))

Despite this critique, "On Tyranny" remains an essential read. Its succinctness makes it accessible to a broad audience, and its lessons are immediately applicable. The book serves as a timely reminder that the preservation of democracy requires active participation and constant vigilance.

In conclusion, Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" is a compelling and urgent call to action. It distills complex historical lessons into practical advice, making it an invaluable resource for anyone committed to defending democratic values. Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/1/2025