Here is my best guidance for action, rendered beautifully by the great John Lithgow. I first published these lessons more than eight years ago, in late 2016. They open the twenty chapters of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Millions of you, around the world, have put these lessons to good use; it has been humbling to learn how from courageous and creative dissenters, protestors, and oppositionists. I am delighted to have this special chance now to share the lessons again. I was honored when John, a wise advocate for civil discourse and civic engagement, volunteered to read them aloud.
Above is his film. Below is the text, excerpted from the book. Do share this.
1. Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely 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 in this way is teaching power what it can do.
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.
3. Beware the one-party state. 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 multiple-party system and defend the rules of democratic elections. Vote in local and state elections while you can. Consider running for office.
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world. 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.
5. Remember professional ethics. 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.
6. Be wary of paramilitaries. When the men with guns who have always claimed to be against the system start wearing uniforms and marching with torches and pictures of a leader, the end is nigh. When the pro-leader paramilitary and the official police and military intermingle, the end has come.
7. Be reflective if you must be armed. 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.
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. Remember Rosa Parks. The moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.
9. Be kind to our language. 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.
10. 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.
11. Investigate. Figure things out for yourself. Spend more time with long articles. Subsidize investigative journalism by subscribing to print media. Realize that some of what is on the internet is there to harm you. Learn about sites that investigate propaganda campaigns (some of which come from abroad). Take responsibility for what you communicate with others.
12. Make eye contact and small talk. This is not just polite. It is part of being a citizen and a responsible member of society. It is also a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down social barriers, and understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.
13. Practice corporeal politics. Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them.
(Nota bene, jumping away from the text for a moment: there will be chances to practice corporeal politics all over the USA on April 5th).
14. Establish a private life. Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you around. Scrub your computer of malware on a regular basis. Remember that email is skywriting. Consider using alternative forms of the internet, or simply using it less. Have personal exchanges in person. For the same reason, resolve any legal trouble. Tyrants seek the hook on which to hang you. Try not to have hooks.
15. Contribute to good causes. Be active in organizations, political or not, that express your own view of life. Pick a charity or two and set up autopay. Then you will have made a free choice that supports civil society and helps others to do good.
16. Learn from peers in other countries. Keep up your friendships abroad, or make new friends in other countries. The present difficulties in the United States are an element of a larger trend. And no country is going to find a solution by itself. Make sure you and your family have passports.
17. Listen for dangerous words. Be alert to use of the words "extremism" and "terrorism." Be alive to the fatal notions of "emergency" and "exception." Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. Modern tyranny is terror management. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that authoritarians exploit such events in order to consolidate power. The sudden disaster that requires the end of checks and balances, the dissolution of opposition parties, the suspension of freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Do not fall for it.
19. Be a patriot. Set a good example of what America means for the generations to come. They will need it.
20. Be as courageous as you can. If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.
Loved using this book during my Holocaust unit in my history class last year.
The students liked it too, and some would borrow the book to read it themselves.
Pretty telling for a high school class.
This. This. I call my reps every day, as a registered Independent, Retired RN, MPH, US Army Reserves medical officer. I donate where and when I can.My father didn't fight across Europe in 1944-5 to see this come to America, and my Jewish grandparents didn't flee Russia/Ukraine for this. We all swore an oath the Constitution and the rule of law, and that's for life.
With you Sister! My Jewish grandparents also fled Ukraine and Romania in the early 1900’s to live in the US as a free Democracy. We must stand up to these Autocratic kleptocrats. We all know what we must do - call, email, confront your reps esp the GOPs who hide from constituents, don’t obey in advance, take to the streets in protest, find your voice.
People from all over the world came to America, Ilene, for similar reasons.
The U.S. represented diversity -- all the complications of cultural belonging which in turn produced more and more open communities in America, but also more humane, better, greater and greater novels, memoirs, movies, songs, and other arts.
The simple-minded who more crave tyranny hated these arts. Hated, still hate, diversity.
I have been reading Joan Didion's newest volume (3) in the Library of America's collection of her works. This newest centers on the 1990s, when much of the far right was coalescing around vocabulary it was building then more effectively to oppose the openness underway in civil rights, women's rights, gay issues, and environment needs. It saw the left as indulgent, catering to too much divergence from patriarchy, authority, and religious rule.
The Powell memo of 1971 had already rid schools of humanities, and organized and funded the far right foundations aiming for commercial hegemony, rule by the rich. It had already planted standardized testing and its anti-human priorities in all of K-12.
But it was still then gearing up for Project 2025, Trump, Musk, Vance, Netanyahu, and Putin.
Do not use their language. When they fill their mouths with reasonable-sounding bullshit about "waste, fraud and abuse" do not go along. It's a ruse, a con. It's shouting SQUIRREL! to a dog. They might as well be spinning three shells on a street corner saying 'don't look at the left.' Look at the left, and the right, and call out the bullshit for exactly what it is.
And reverse the mirror and turn their lies back on them where they belong. We are living under Alice’s Queen of Hearts.
Welcome to Canada, Timothy. The world needs you, and if we offer safe haven during these troubled times, all the better. Elbows Up. This reading with John Lithgow is fabulous. Years ago when I first ordered On Tyranny through Amazon, a porch pirate stole it from my mail box. Lol. I hope they read it.
Yes! Elbows up!
The book is small enough to carry with you in case you have the opportunity to share it with someone.
I've given away several copies to young people.
Me, too, and to other friends -- I often suggest that, when they're finished, they pass them on to someone who says they'll read it.
That's a great idea.
Professor Snyder, THANK YOU for your powerful, prescient, brilliant words, so weepingly moving as spoken by the great John Lithgow. Today, we confront their reality. Today, we need them more than ever. Everyone I know will receive your profound guidance, today.
Love Lithgow’s reading. Will share.
Done!
Poor Donnie & Elon with their Cry for Me complex...
Even worse than tariffs & reckless undermining of the US economy, which only 6 months ago was "the envy of the world" according to the Wall Street Journal, is the attack on public health...MAGA's unprecedented assault on scientific truth & demand for subservient confirmation of misinformation and lies has adversely impacted public health in our nation.
The Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine official Dr. Peter Marks resigned and said that Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s stance on vaccines was irresponsible and posed a danger to the public.
“It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” to the agency’s acting commissioner. He reiterated the sentiments in an interview, saying: “This man doesn’t care about the truth.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5o5kW678nU
Excellent. Thanks to you both. I will share this widely whilst we still may.
We WILL ALWAYS MAY, that’s the whole point of the entire article… We must convince ourselves that we will oppose anyone trying to make us do something we don’t want!!!!
It is a powerful book - and love this interpretation of the key lessons, so powerful to hear them in this way!
Practice corporeal politics: I am practicing nearly all of the suggestions you've given us except this one! I have ZERO opportunities in my very red community but am traveling across TN to Knoxville to participate in the "Hands Off" protests on 4/5!!! I can't wait to meet other Tennesseans who are WILLING to show up!!! Hopefully, I can make some connections that I'll be able to have ongoing communications with as we all go forward!
So, poetry was sung. I first read On Tyranny in 2017. Afterward, I bought more copies and gave them to friends. It was the beginning of an education for all of us. You don't read one Timothy Snyder book; you read all of them. Timothy Snyder has provided me with the facts to know what has and will happen. John Lithgow provided the song. Poetry was sung.
Have also been telling people about this book since it came out. The message is still urgent, moreso than ever.
These tenets are worth reading and practicing - on a DAILY basis - while we are combatting the dark forces that would terminate our Democracy and the rule of law prescribed in the Constitution - and applicable to EVERYONE.
My favourite actor reading from my favourite book. Thank you both so, so very much.
Bless you both. We gave our children copies for Christmas is 2016. Just sent Mr Lithgow’s reading this morning.
Thank you. I’ve long appreciated your brilliant work, and like many, now more than ever. Is it true you are considering moving to Canada?
Indeed, both he and his wife have been offered positions at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. This was a great coup for the University of Toronto and I look forward to Dr. Snyder's new appointment to the inaugural Chair in Modern European History, supported by the Temerty Endowment for Ukrainian Studies. Congratulations Dr. Snyder.
My. Snyder and his wife left Yale and moved to Canada, I think last week, and are continuing their work.
I was just reading this on another format. Is it true? This is the very definition of the canary in the coal mine. Luckily in today’s world he can continue to get the word out in real time. I understand why he’d leave because tRump and his regime are coming for the professors already and our colleges and universities are not standing up to the regime.
This is something of a shock to read. I’ve been on the road the past week with a lot of driving. I’m glad for Prof. Snyder and Prof. Shore and their children. I think it will be safer for them.
Being read these truths written by Timothy and recited by John brought tears to my eyes. Yes, read books but hearing a book from the mouth of a great actor brings the book alive! Thank you both.
My husband gave me the book for Christmas 2016, along with "It Can't Happen Here" (Sinclair Lewis). Always good to revisit, now more than ever.
John Lithgow gives such a beautiful, thoughtful reading. He is one of my heroes. I once sent a magazine a note of appreciation for an article by him, about his experience portraying a transsexual character in "The World According to Garp." Unexpectedly, he wrote me the kindest note (on his wife's university stationery) thanking me for my thank-you. A note I treasure. I greatly enjoyed his "Trumpty-Dumpty" book . . . also worth a revisit now, sadly.
Love Trumpty!
Yes that book! Given to me by my daughter.
Thank you Professor
Snyder. Godspeed and
safety in Canada to you
and your family. I know
we will continue to see
you here on Substack.
Thank you for your list of reminders; perhaps our most important "To Do" List for fighting today's fascist efforts across Trump's government.
Sharing while possible. Many thanks for this reading.
As I have felt since originally reading On Tyranny when it first came out, ending the Musk/Trump regime will require serious action. Laughter at ineptitude is good, but it won’t end an autocratic, oligarchic, fascist regime. I don’t like to think about participating in protest, civil disobedience or worse, but, given the number of powerful individuals who have shunned the teachings of On Tyranny, I fear all may be necessary.
You and Dr. Bandy X. Lee were the two canaries in the mine, back in 2016.
Yes! Does anyone know what has happened to Dr. Lee? Also Mary Trump and Liz Cheney. Getting worried about their safety.
Both Dr. Mary Trump and Dr. Bandy Lee have their own substacks. I subscribe to both. (Dr. Lee's post today was worrisome. She wrote: "I Am Remaining in My Country" -- in response to Profs. Snyder and Stanley going to Canada. Her reason for staying is that she feels it is essential to have someone with psychiatric expertise who is willing to speak out loudly to be here in this country.) I believe that Liz Cheney continues to be very active in supporting democracy in the U.S. These women are not shrinking violets! They are all very, very brave. Each knows the potential for evil to enter their lives, but refuse to be silenced.
Thank you, Kdsherpa! I am obviously not 'up' on my substacks. :-) I am relieved to hear this, as I was starting to think that both women were getting death threats and had been silenced. I suppose that's just projection re: how I've been feeling lately.
Oh, I have no doubt whatsoever that both are receiving constant death threats. And I know that both Mary and Bandy are under tremendous stress constantly because of that. Nevertheless, they have refused to go underground. (Liz Cheney, of course, has had a target on her back for a very, very long time.)
Is there any way you can send Lithgow's reading of your twenty lessons to every single member of Congress? And perhaps every school in the US? Marvelous educating performance by Lithgow of your words, Mr. Snyder!
I recently bought 20 copies of this book and I'm handing them out to friends. It's compact, concise and concrete; the perfect pocket-sized handbook against tyranny.
Thank you Timothy and John! Very MOTIVATING!
Thank you for all the great information you provide daily. I was wondering, is it true that you are now moving to Canada? I saw a post somewhere that you will be teaching at a Canadian university and that led me to assume you will be moving there. If so, do you suggest others living in the U.S. seek other countries for asylum?
It’s true.
Dear Professor! I wish you all the best in Toronto. It is a lovely city (in Summer). Try to find somewhere to live down town, ideally in "the beaches". You actually can think you are in a beach town in the summer, on Lake Ontario. I think that you are absolutely correct to make the choice to leave, even though it hurts. I too left, but early in 2017, and I'm not even close to the large target you might be. I was at the Dems Abroad AGM in Germany this weekend, and unfortunately those great people (the 300 or so members) hardworking and dedicated as they are, have had no guidance from the DNC, and are not yet able to look the wolf we are fighting in the eye. They are angry, but not organized. DNC Vice Chair Kenyatta joined us with his chief of staff. He gave a rousing speech, but again did not speak directly to the challenges but rather to the "possibilities" which we as Democrats now face. It seems that the European Democrats are currently being left to their own devices. Will there be a shadow cabinet "in exile" in Canada? Slava Ukraini and God bless America.
You yet know people who look to the DNC for guidance, Bruce!?
Never an organization with more elites more out of touch with actual working people. Not a single person in the DNC has ever read any novel, memoir, essay collection, biography, or history -- or at least they all evidence no willingness ever to use any of our great arts to connect to any of our human, social, and other issues inviting the tyranny we now have.
DNC. They love money, fund-raising, more e-mails dunning money, and more celebrities appearing also for more fund-raising only.
Having taught government for many years and now retired, my husband is beyond concerned, and yes, angry that our country is taking on the characteristics of Fascist nations he warned his students about. Today, every social studies, government teacher should study "On Tyranny".
"Democracy means when there's a knock at the door at 3 a.m., it's probably the milkman." - attributed to Churchill
I have shared "On Tyranny" with people of all ages - without exception they believe it is the most powerful book they have read on this subject and most are working on something from the list of 20. Thank you. I am about to send this version out.
I suspect, given how outspoken you are about Russia and its aggression against Ukraine and the current administration's quest for power in the US, you are 'marked' or will be, by the administration, hence your move to Canada? I for one am happy to welcome you to my country.
Thank you Mr. Snyder and thank you Mr. Lithgow.
Professor Snyder, i have learned from two sources that you are planning to leave the US. As a reader, i'm disappointed. Feels like the famous graduates of Yale Law School who purport to tell us what justice is while practicing something quite opposite--in this case, resistance. Please explain this decision. I think you owe your readers here an explanation.
I feel I must defend Professor Snyder's decision and choice.
Last fall, in the window of an Oxfam bookshop in Oxford, I saw an intriguing old book: A Bridge of Children's Books by Jella Lepman. Mrs. Lepman, a journalist, left Germany to save herself and her children (her husband had died of WWI injuries). She _lived_ to return to Germany after the Second World War in order to help open the minds and hearts of German children -- and their parents -- by bringing them children's books from all over the free world. Her work _still_ lives on in the International Youth Library headquartered in Munich
It is valid to stay alive to fight another day or to support the fight from a safe place. Just last week, in Canada, I heard and saw on the CBC how Marci Shore clearly and passionately explicated what was at stake in the Russian war against Ukraine.
I agree. Who knows what's going on at Yale to make this an imperative? He is working in exile, and I stand with Canada for sure.
Let me remind you of his Lesson 16 "Learn from peers in other countries":
"The fact that most Americans do not have passports has become a problem for American democracy. Sometimes Americans say that they do not need travel documents, because they prefer to die defending freedom in America. These are fine words, but they miss an important point. The fight will be a long one. Even if it does require sacrifice, it first demands sustained attention to the world around us, so that we know what we are resisting. So having a passport is not a sign of surrender. On the contrary, is is liberating, since it creates the possibility of new experiences"
Fighting tyranny is not a set of strict rules, it is a long marathon, that has to have a great deal of strategic choices. Dr. Snyder is obviously a target, and his power is in his words - his fight won't be diminished because of him being in Canada. Especially with how American universities are folding - sometimes practicing professional ethics means getting our of the environment where it is not possible.
Thank you for doing this and for providing the audio version. I learned to read when I was 5 and read insatiably for most of my life. I still do, but now it's audio books because I have an eye condition that makes it very difficult to read text. I wish everyone would read more, but I am starting to understand how hard it is for some people to read (for so many reasons). It feels important to make text more accessible to people who want to take the time and get all the details but struggle with the mechanics of reading text from a page or screen. Otherwise all that is left for those of us who have these challenges is short large-print memes and videos.
I'm showing this to every drama, history, civics teacher I know. I hope it can be an assingment to watch, practice, debate, own.
Wonderful stuff, Timothy and John. Thank you.
How would you feel if your trusted friend began talking trash about you?
Americans need to stand up for our allies who are being disgustingly denigrated by the Nazi regime Absolutely distrustful actions that the Orange Nazi strongman bully has made toward our friends Canada, Denmark, and states in Europe In general our allies have begun to cut ties with America with hurt feelings SHAME SHAME SHAME ON AMERICA These countries love and respected us and now they are being disrespected and cultural ties are being severed The fraying of human trust is becoming obvious
Our allies thick and thin are disheartened and dispirited by how their “friend” has treated them and are confused and disappointed Their trust has been breached and it will be hard to ever it get back if ever But the Nazi regime could care less about those who have stood by us through thick and this because they have no loyalty to anyone and are basically immoral Now our allies see America as an adversary
The American people need to WAKE UP and show their outrage at this immoral depravity the the Nazi regime is showing to our once loyal friends who have stood by and with us for 7 decades
Complacency is the enemy to holding onto democracy Protest Donate Encourage friends family neighbors to get involved
John Lithgow is a national treasure. Who can forget his portrayal of Rudy Ghouluani examining Hunter Biden’s teethmarks carelessly left on a half-eaten sandwich fished out of a Kyiv wastebasket, complete with a constantly guzzled glass of Merlot?
Thank you, Prof. Snyder, and thank you, John Lithgow for this bracingly clear reading.
Though numbered one through twenty, how truly integrated the lessons are with one another.
And at this time in particular, I believe we're called to practice all, or almost all of the lessons all the time. I can't help but think of the film title "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Thank you, again. I've shared widely.
small note: at bottom of page please fix link to April 5 protests
So so powerful! Hearing the words in the "conversation" is very impactful!
Thank you.
Powerful, timely, necessary. Thank you.
If we’re supposed to defend democracy at risk to our lives, then why are so many people moving out of the country, as I read in the Comments section in the NYTimes of the many people moving?
Will we older, less well off who can’t leave, going to be the majority, now?
If you are too weak to protect yourself at least help your soldiers put on their armor.
To be heard by everyone. Nice collaboration Professor Snyder. Teach,!
Dear Prof Snyder. being an active reader of you and very much influenced by your thinking I think we deserve an answer why you leave US/Yale and go to Canada while you teach that you should not bow for the dictator.
I don’t need any more than he’s already given.
Thank you, Dr. Snyder. And John, for an empowered reading.
I purchased On Tyranny after I heard a Timothy Snyder interview when his book was first published; I have recommended it to folks ever since I discovered it. For those who are visual, there is a graphic edition. Timothy Snyder is an excellent source of information on Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Holocaust. I highly recommend his Substack. I have a friend who lives in Eastern Europe within a 24 hour train ride from Kyiv. She recently recommended Snyder's 2022 essay in Foreign Affairs magazine to help those of us who live in other parts of the world deepen our understanding of the war in Ukraine and what is at stake: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/ukraine-war-democracy-nihilism-timothy-snyder. Also, if you cannot physically go to a march on April 2, you can support this day of action with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Repairers of the Breach by signing up to attend virtually to support our collective movement to preserve democracy: https://breachrepairers.org/get-involved/events/moral-witness-wednesday/.
Wow.
Love this book, I keep it on my desk along with the Constitution.
I bought this book during the FIRST term. It’s even more vital now. What is happening to America? Is this our Weimar era? What each individual does now makes a difference, be it apathy or protest. What kind of world do you want to live in?
I keep a copy nearby and try to spread the good word
Splendid treatment of this important text -- absolutely to be treasured. Profound in its delivery so that not only memory is enhanced but the experience begs to be repeated so the reward can be enjoyed once again, nurturing the soul and the spirit and the body. Thank you!
I’m going to buy a bunch of On Tyranny and pass them out on April 5. These 20 lessons are what we are living!
Twenty lessons well-written and fabulously well-read by John Lithgow. Perfect for any day, but especially on a rainy Sunday afternoon! Thank you, both.
I bought On Tyranny after hearing Timothy Snyder interviewed on Democracy Now many years ago. I have bought several copies since and shared them with friends. For those who are visual, there is also a graphic edition. If you like political satire and haven't read John Lithgow's poetry, I recommend his books.
thank you
Fantastic. I forwarded to about 20 friends. Thank you.
This is beautifully presented and so important. Thank-you.
No more wishy washy about what is right or wrong
The Nazis want a level playing field so that the propaganda they spew makes what they are doing seem normal Mainstream media(MSM) has been playing this game that the Nazis are just doing “normal political discourse” for several years now And the Nazis in Congress are playing the same game By their silence they underscore that what is happening is just business as usual The Nazis want us to believe “Hey there are two sides of a controversy and both sides deserve equal time” in the land of free speech But they don’t deserve equal time
Remember the comment “there were fine people on both sides”?
What’s currently being done is NOT business as usual It’s NOT normal behavior in a democratic republic and to redefine these authoritarian activities and policies as just the way we do things these days allows the Nazis to get away with the propaganda they are pushing
What the Nazis are doing and saying is WRONG Period End of story
There are no two sides to this discussion The nonsense to give the Nazis a level playing field is ridiculous and obscene The Nazis do not deserve any respect or audience Scott Jennings, CNN’s provocateur in chief is a classic example of how Nazis attempt to distort the facts when engaging in political discourse He takes on fantastical positions when it cannot be justified and then claims he is just arguing the other side Free speech of course but call it out for what he is DEAD WRONG It’s not time to level the playing field and allow Nazis to use free speech as justification for confusion CNN needs to be more forceful in calling Nazis out for their deceit which is one of the reasons CNN is in the tank with respect to ratings
So America call the Nazis out for who they are Corrupt Lawless Liars Gangsters And then get out there and PROTEST!!
Thank you Timothy Snyder and John Lithgow. Hope is always welcome with open arms.
Professor, with all due respect, perhaps you should add #21: Run Away…not very courageous.
Thanks for the Audiio version of this important essay. We need to hear it often.
I love his writing and teaching videos, but just read that Timothy Snyder is moving to Canada. Isn't that kind of like obeying in advance? Giving up? Very great loss.
It’s no loss. He made a decision based on factors we know and some we don’t. He will be free to say what needs to be said in Canada.
It’s running away, and cowardly.
I produced this short film and Timothy Snyder is the embodiment of courage. One of the saddest things this era has produced is the practice of stating opinions as facts first, and not even bothering to ask questions later.
Thank you. Could not agree more.
Cowardly would have been refusing to educate and inform people of the threat and lies from this regime. He could have gone along to get along.
He recently returned from a trip to Ukraine. A war zone at great personal risk. But ya. Go ahead and call him a coward.
Whatever. The fight is here. Apologize and name-calling al you want. I’m a Canadian citizen, but I’m staying where the battle is.
Great stuff. Good to use as a mantra to begin each day. Or if you're very busy, take one each day in rotation…
But back on my repeating theme, why did Dr Snyder choose a man to read this? Why not a woman? Or better still, why not both, alternating?
Dr Snyder is modelling male leadership. I cannot accept that. I want male/female shared leadership. There is no true democracy without this equal sharing.
Why is this website so unbalanced between the sexes and the respective leadership and authority, or lack of it, given to each?
My only serious criticism of Dr Snyder continues to be that he has not yet realised, it seems, that men cannot go on instructing women and speaking for them indefinitely.
There are many women leading here. Are you subscribed to Heather Cox Richardson or Jessica Craven or many others? Prof Snyder has a unique set of experiences and knowledge and I certainly don’t hold the fact that he’s a man against him.
We can support women without trying to tear down men.
Your comment misses my point. I was noting the absence of ongoing co-hosting.
Nobody is trying to tear down men: yours is a classic male "don't you dare criticise us" response. You are batting down an imaginary Aunt Sally that is wholly in your mind. Nobody is holding Dr Snyder's being a man against him! One is suggesting how as a man he could do better.
I was not asking for women to be "supported". I was asking for women to feature as co-leaders. Again your answer reveals a classic male arrogance and condescension. And worryingly, an unconsciousness on your part of this value set.
The positive role model I do have in mind is Robert Reich and Heather Lofthouse's Inequality Media Civic Action substack podcast and newsletter. These two practise what they preach: balanced male/female, balanced wisdom of youth and age. A consistently moral, heartfelt approach complementing the penetrating intellectual analysis and the fact-rich resources. Thus, these two demonstrate a consistently moral living out of the values of the democracy they preach.
At root, Dr Snyder is a solo player who draws others around him. A certain egotism is detectable. This does not detract from his huge talents. It simply points out a weakness. I should have thought this analysis falls well within the bounds of fair criticism.
I am astonished at the lack of critical reflection all too often displayed here in the comments to Dr Snyder's posts.
The current, ever-increasing gender divide in the US is in my view a hugely destructive social wave heading in precisely the wrong direction. Above all, it is vital now that women are seen to lead and co-lead. Because without that, the true "we-consciousness" necessary for our next step in evolution cannot be achieved.
I may or may not read all of this later, but just be aware of how you jumped to the conclusion that I’m a man. I’m not.
Goodness! If you are a woman, that just makes it worse
Put away your bitterness and figure out your place in the resistance. Please.