Thom reviewed On tyranny by Timothy Snyder
Review of 'On tyranny' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
Some good information in this short read, but much history is glossed over to focus on the current president instead, leaning at times into hysteria. I greatly appreciated the examples of Russian disinformation tactics used on the Ukraine. Tyranny should be stopped, but this isn't a complete recipe for that.
Especially useful lessons (chapters) include - remember professional ethics, make eye contact and small talk, learn from peers in other countries, listen for dangerous words, and be kind to our language. I agree with his thoughts on patriotism, but think he could have done a much better job in distinguishing it from nationalism.
The lessons in this book were a from a list originally introduced in the author's facebook post, just days after the November 2016 election. While the book form may be more accessible, a reworking (editing) of this list may have been a better approach. I'll close with …
Some good information in this short read, but much history is glossed over to focus on the current president instead, leaning at times into hysteria. I greatly appreciated the examples of Russian disinformation tactics used on the Ukraine. Tyranny should be stopped, but this isn't a complete recipe for that.
Especially useful lessons (chapters) include - remember professional ethics, make eye contact and small talk, learn from peers in other countries, listen for dangerous words, and be kind to our language. I agree with his thoughts on patriotism, but think he could have done a much better job in distinguishing it from nationalism.
The lessons in this book were a from a list originally introduced in the author's facebook post, just days after the November 2016 election. While the book form may be more accessible, a reworking (editing) of this list may have been a better approach. I'll close with one lesson, my favorite:
"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."
