Reading On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder felt like a call to action, a reminder that history’s darkest moments aren’t far behind us—and they’re closer to our present than we might like to believe. Snyder’s book takes lessons from the past century and distills them into twenty clear, practical actions that remind us of the importance of defending democracy. For me, this book feels personal. It resonates as a blueprint for safeguarding freedom, standing up for what’s right, and preserving truth, especially in times when these values seem at risk.

Learning from History and Taking Responsibility

The idea that history has a way of repeating itself is something that’s always been on my mind, especially as I’ve seen how subtle shifts in society can gradually lead to bigger changes that impact us all. Snyder draws directly from the twentieth century—the rise of fascism, authoritarian regimes, and the erosion of democratic values—and his message is simple: we must learn from the past to protect the future. Reading this, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility. I’ve often wondered what role individuals play in these changes, and Snyder’s answer is clear: it’s up to each of us, in small, everyday ways, to resist the forces that threaten our freedom.

Practical Lessons That Feel Achievable

What I love about On Tyranny is that each chapter is a tangible step. Snyder’s lessons like “Do not obey in advance” and “Defend institutions” reminded me of how easy it is to let things slide, to stay quiet, and assume that one voice doesn’t matter. But his examples from history make it clear that tyranny doesn’t arise overnight; it creeps in as we let small injustices go unchecked. Snyder doesn’t just leave us with warnings—he gives us tools to act. For me, chapters like “Believe in truth” struck a chord. In a world where misinformation is everywhere, it reminded me how important it is to stay grounded in facts, to protect truth as a shared foundation for a functioning society.

Another chapter that stayed with me was “Make eye contact and small talk.” At first, it seems simple, but Snyder explains how these small interactions build a sense of community and trust, two things that authoritarian regimes often work to destroy. This chapter felt incredibly personal, as it reminded me of the importance of connection—even casual conversations help strengthen our collective bonds. It made me see that fighting against authoritarianism isn’t just about big actions; it’s about these small, meaningful interactions that remind us we’re all in this together.

Fighting for Truth and Connection

I was especially moved by Snyder’s emphasis on defending truth. In times when “alternative facts” and misinformation seem to be everywhere, this message hit close to home. I realized how easy it is to get swept up in narratives that aren’t grounded in reality, and how important it is to hold onto truth and transparency. Snyder’s chapter on truth felt like a grounding force, a reminder that without truth, we lose our shared reality. This resonated deeply with me, especially because I’ve seen how powerful it is to stay informed and speak up, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Snyder’s emphasis on connection and community-building also struck a personal chord. In a world where division often seems to be the default, his message reminded me of the value of reaching out, making connections, and reinforcing trust with others. It made me realize that standing up for democracy isn’t just about protests or big actions; it’s about making sure we don’t lose our connection to one another and remembering that we all have a part to play in preserving our freedoms.

A Personal Wake-Up Call for the Present

Reading On Tyranny didn’t feel like a distant historical lesson—it felt urgent, relevant, and close to home. Snyder’s writing makes it clear that the choices we make in our everyday lives add up, and that the defense of democracy is something that happens in small, sometimes invisible ways. On Tyranny was a wake-up call to pay attention to what’s happening around me, to notice the small shifts, and to remember that each of us has power, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Final Thoughts: A Handbook for Everyday Heroes

On Tyranny feels less like a book and more like a handbook—a guide I want to keep revisiting. It’s a reminder that the fight for justice, truth, and freedom happens in small ways, in the choices we make each day. Snyder’s book has inspired me to stay vigilant, to be mindful of the small actions that reinforce democracy, and to remember that we’re each responsible for safeguarding the values we hold dear.