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On Tyranny

Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

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On Tyranny

By: Timothy Snyder
Narrated by: Timothy Snyder
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About this listen

History does not repeat, but it does instruct.

In the 20th century, European democracies collapsed into fascism, Nazism and communism. These were movements in which a leader or a party claimed to give voice to the people, promised to protect them from global existential threats, and rejected reason in favour of myth. European history shows us that societies can break, democracies can fall, ethics can collapse, and ordinary people can find themselves in unimaginable circumstances. History can familiarise, and it can warn. Today we are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to totalitarianism in the 20th century. But when the political order seems imperilled, our advantage is that we can learn from their experience to resist the advance of tyranny. Now is a good time to do so.

©2017 Timothy Snyder (P)2017 Random House 20th Century Modern Political Science Politics & Government Funny Imperialism Socialism Russia Capitalism Interwar Period
All stars
Most relevant
I can't think of a single more beneficial activity to spend the same amount of time on than reading this book, and then reading it again. The challenge ahead for the struggle against tyranny has become crystal clear for this reader. The author's historical lens provides a compelling comparison to contemporary events. I'll be purchasing a hard copy and fresh highlighter pen.

Current, concise and powerful

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Please read/listen to this book. The slide into a world none of us want is happening before our eyes. More people need to wake up to what is really happening if we don't want history to repeat itself. This is a very clear account of what each of us can do if we want to live in a world worth living in.

Critical thinking in our troubled times

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I beg you to read this. A hugely important book that is short, easily digestible, with every sentence hitting a home run.

The most important book I've ever read.

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this essay-like commentary was incisive and clear, and provides great historical context to current events.

piercing, insightful and concise

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Well done Timothy Snyder (again) - this book is arguably the most important bit of literature in our current times. Nobody has so eloquently summarised the perils of the current world in a way that is simple and direct. The book provides practical and critical advice - to promote democracy and to be attuned to creeping perils of fascism and tyranny. To all the disenfranchised young people of the world - please listen to this book. I am going to buy hard copies to give away.

A must listen for under 30's

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As a large minority in the US continue to lurch to the hard Right and Putin has opted to trash international law, 5 years on from its writing this book is a compelling read and has proven too prophetic for comfort. Diligently researched, intelligently crafted and concisely written, it remains a wake up call for all

Prescient

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As someone with a newfound interest in global politics I found this to be such a great read, particularly because it didn't get bogged down in specific historic events. It didn't require the reader to have any real existing in depth knowledge of history but rather focussed more on the bigger picture patterns and ideas.

I'd recommend it strongly, and point out that he has a very interesting interview with Sam Harris on the Waking Up podcast that is very suitable 'extra listening' for this audiobook.

Excellent - no background knowledge needed

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Concise and to the point, highlighting patterns of all tyrannies and authoritarian leaders. Some of the reviews of the reviewers who have given this a low score appear to feel uncomfortable with how it makes them feel about their political views. I cannot agree with their reviews, this is an important work and if you admire authoritarian style leaders, it will make you feel uncomfortable.

Important Work

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Gave great background to many historical events. Need to listen again and again. He shows how important it is for us to respect institutions and never allow tyranny to get a hold.

Great lessons in tyranny.

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Prophetic, alarming but hopeful
Beautifully read by the author
So much of the book has been shown to be true
Good advice for the future
I’ll be looking for his more recent works

On Tyranny

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