Book Recommendation: On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder, either the text only or graphic edition. Check your local library!
I have been guilty of “not caring” about history, and not considering how it has impacted my life, especially when I was younger. I see so much relevance now, and why it’s so important. And even though as I read I often found myself thinking, “I already do that, this is already important to me,” there was still plenty to ponder, and to consider (and reconsider) some of my own actions. We live in interesting times. Sometimes we need a reminder of what is beneficial, and what to be wary of. What to work toward, and what to fight against. What is suffering, and what is merely discomfort.
It might be an “eat your veggies” kind of read, but that’s just doing something that’s good for you – you deserve it.
Some of these may not be what you assume at first glance. The list is nothing without the descriptions. I hope this encourages you to give it a read.
From On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder:
- Do not obey in advance
- Defend institutions
- Beware the one-party state
- Take responsibility for the face of the world
- Remember professional ethics
- Be wary of paramilitaries
- Be reflective if you must be armed
- stand out
- Be kind to our language
- Believe in truth
- Investigate
- Make eye contact and small talk
- Practice coporeal politics
- Establish a private life
- Contribute to good causes
- Learn from peers in other countries
- Listen for dangerous words
- Be calm when the unthinkable arrives
- Be a patriot
- Be as courageous as you can
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