Summary of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder: Key Takeaways & Analysis Included

by Ninja Reads

Timothy Snyder provides a stark warning for the future of American democracy. Too easily are we ignoring the ways in which tyranny starts to eat away at democracy. As our political system faces new threats—not unlike those faced by democracies in the twentieth century—we must look to the past to safeguard our future. With lessons from the rise of communist and fascist regimes in Europe during the previous century, Snyder provides a blueprint for how we can protect the basic rights promised in our constitution through the mundane choices we make every day and the difficult choices we may be forced to make in the near future.

Genres: History

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Brandon Allers · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMMARY: A pocket-sized guide to citizens remaining aware of what their elected officials are doing. Organized around 20 short chapters that read like a playbill builds the reader's momentum into the next lesson. This book can be finished in an afternoon while providing a quick review of past and present government subterfuge, Summary of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century reminds me of an earlier book covering revolutions and the governments that covered them up.


PROS: The small size, minimalist cover, and short chapters with calls to action in bold are like candy to yours truly. I did something I rarely do. I bought a book without skimming through the pages. Mr. Snyder is 5 stars in the Hook the Reader's department. Due to its brevity, this book definitely has potential for book clubs and reader group discussions.

CONS: Despite the title, almost all criticisms were leveled at the Trump Administration, but does not even bother to name the President once, this comes off as petty.


RECOMMENDATION: As a work of non-fiction and one involving politics Mr. Snyder taking sides and having opinions is expected, and for the sake of expanding a reader's critical thinking is a prerequisite. The historical lessons are unaffected by Mr. Snyder's own POV, and keep this book relevant to anyone wanting a quick look at failed governments.


Disclaimer: This book is non-fiction and covers topics that may be considered inflammatory, political, or religious, and the material written does not necessarily reflect the author, publishers, distributors, or any other 3rd parties' personal beliefs or alignments. Readers are responsible for what they are reading.

Approach with an open mind, different does not always equal bad, or strange, and similar does not always equal good, or familiar.


*** Manipura = Hunger and Energy Conversion

(This book has the 3,5, and 7-second hooks, pray for no bait and switch)

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this is a summary of "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder, but this isn't worth buying or reading. The first book is already quite short, and I read it in less than two hours.

This book reads as if it were slapped together in a hurry, missing the essential core of the original.

My advice is skip this summary and get straight to the original book; you'll get a much better reading experience.

[Michael Hecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good summary of issues we need to be aware of in order to preserve our Democracy.

Very important that real patriots who want to preserve our system of government not be confused with those who wish to destroy it. Many signs of anti-democratic tendencies are illuminated as signs of danger.

[Damaris J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the current times and the incoming administration (2024), this book and now the updated release with 8 hours of discussion, history and how we got here with Ukraine was absolutely worth the extra time. Couldn’t recommend this enough for people who want to resist fascism and also love history and applying to current events.

[Kurt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new here

But all of it worth digesting. If everyone followed these suggestions we would be in far less danger from tyranny. The ones to watch out for are the traitors who claim the US is NOT a democracy, but is a republic!

[Robin Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. And the audio was still in the rough draft stage - he was clearing his throat, using a clicker, and he burped - didn’t quite make it to editing yet.

Now onto the unbearable lightness of being - it’ll be interesting to know what I think about it at age 50.

[Strick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good

[purplegrape · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to meet people who are more politically active. I also need to go to a protest. Preferably against 🍊. I need to add the books mentioned to my reading list.