On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder (2017, Tim Duggan Books; 130 pages) The prologue of this tiny book is an essay on history and tyranny that helps the reader to understand the core of the author´s intention, to make sure that the reader understands that history does not repeat, but it does instruct. "The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they know, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century." The author adds: "We are not wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience." Mr. Snyder has written a book that presents twenty short lessons from the twentieth century, adapted to the circumstances of today. Every lesson starts with a command: 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 and ten more commands based on democratic principles. The book is delightful, concise, precise, and necessary. Recommended. Find this title in our catalog: On Tyranny Recommended by: Maite
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