On Tyranny

On Tyranny

I was having lunch with three other consultants this week. Lamenting. Laughing. Supporting. Celebrating.

One of them quoted the book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.

"Do not obey in advance." -Timothy Snyder

I immediately knew I needed. this. book.

It's a short little book. 

I think you might appreciate it.

Today's blog post is super simple summary of key lessons and takeaways from On Tyranny.

You may want to buy a copy.

Please buy a copy. Let's talk about it.

"The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience." (Snyder, 2017)

Key Lessons from On Tyranny

Autocratic leaders rely on voluntary compliance before coercion is necessary. Snyder cites how Germans in the 1930s began preemptively adjusting their behavior to fit Nazi ideology before laws even required it (Snyder, 2017, p. 17).

Institutions like courts, the media, and watchdog organizations protect democracy. Tyrants attack them first (Snyder, 2017, p. 23).

Democracies turn into autocracies when ruling parties consolidate power and suppress opposition (Snyder, 2017, p. 27).

Normalizing hateful imagery, symbols, or rhetoric accelerates authoritarianism. Snyder references how fascist imagery spread in Germany in the 1930s (Snyder, 2017, p. 33).

In Nazi Germany, professionals (lawyers, doctors, teachers) justified unethical actions by "following orders." Moral responsibility must outweigh obedience (Snyder, 2017, p. 40).

Private militias or armed groups often serve as a dictator’s enforcers before full-scale oppression. Snyder warns against governments allowing such groups to flourish (Snyder, 2017, p. 47).

Law enforcement and military personnel should be mindful of orders that conflict with democratic principles (Snyder, 2017, p. 52).

Early resistance to authoritarianism makes a difference. Snyder encourages small acts of defiance before oppression deepens (Snyder, 2017, p. 57).

Tyrants distort language to manipulate the public. Snyder urges resisting propaganda and thinking critically (Snyder, 2017, p. 64).

Post-truth politics fuels authoritarianism. Snyder draws parallels between Nazi Germany and Soviet regimes where reality was manipulated (Snyder, 2017, p. 70).

Independent journalism is crucial. Snyder advises supporting trusted news sources instead of state-controlled media (Snyder, 2017, p. 76).

Simple human connections—like greeting neighbors—strengthen civil society and resist fear-based governance (Snyder, 2017, p. 82).

Engaging in physical acts of protest, rallies, and civic participation is vital (Snyder, 2017, p. 88).

Tyrannical regimes exploit personal data for control. Snyder warns against oversharing private information online (Snyder, 2017, p. 93).

Support institutions that uphold democratic values and human rights (Snyder, 2017, p. 98).

Democracies worldwide face similar challenges; learning from successful resistance movements strengthens democracy (Snyder, 2017, p. 104).

Be cautious of phrases like “enemy of the people” or “terrorist” when used to delegitimize opponents (Snyder, 2017, p. 110).

Crises (whether real or staged) are often used to justify power grabs. Snyder cites the 1933 Reichstag Fire as an example of how governments use emergencies to restrict rights (Snyder, 2017, p. 115).

True patriotism is about upholding democratic principles, not blind loyalty to leaders (Snyder, 2017, p. 121).

Resistance to tyranny requires bravery. Even small acts of defiance matter (Snyder, 2017, p. 127).

Main Takeaways from On Tyranny

• Tyranny thrives on passive compliance. People obeying in advance makes it easier for oppressive governments to take control.
• History provides clear warnings. Snyder draws from the rise of fascism and totalitarianism in the 20th century to highlight patterns of democratic decline.
• Democracy requires active defense. Participating in institutions, supporting free press, and practicing civic engagement are essential for preserving freedom.
• Mindfulness and awareness counter propaganda. Questioning language, verifying facts, and maintaining independent thinking help resist authoritarianism.
• Every individual plays a role. Even small actions—supporting ethical institutions, resisting harmful rhetoric, or engaging in peaceful protest—can push back against tyranny.

Today I launched a 10-month organizational culture change engagement with a brave and badass executive leadership team, and this question came up through conversation, igniting a fire:

What if we weren't afraid?

Friends, resistance is all around & within us.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion can't be killed.

We aren't alone.

There is much we can do. 

Rest. Love. Live. Breathe.

Joy is all around us & within us.

You are a catalyst to liberation.

Fellow leaders and learners, I wish you courage, rest, and Beloved Community for the journey. Together we catalyze a brave, bold, and liberatory future.

Peace to you,

Primary Source:

• Snyder, T. (2017). On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Tim Duggan Books.