Lessons for Now From History

[donquixote99]

Lesson Seven from Historian Tim Snyder:

7. Stand out. Someone has to. It is easy, in words and deeds, to follow along. It can feel strange to do or say something different. But without that unease, there is no freedom. And the moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.

One of their chief weapons is inertia--reinforced by intimidation. Be brave and bold.

[donquixote99]

Lesson Eight from Historian Tim Snyder:

8. Believe in truth. To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle. The biggest wallet pays for the most blinding lights.

Truth is the beating heart of resistance. That's why it is targeted.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

Lesson Eight from Historian Tim Snyder:



Truth is the beating heart of resistance. That's why it is targeted.

But who determines the truth? Politicians, Historians, Clergy, Journalists, etc?

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

But who determines the truth? Politicians, Historians, Clergy, Journalists, etc?

You are falling into the trap of thinking there are 'competing' truths, or 'alternate' facts. This enables liars to say 'oh, that's just your truth,' denying the power of truth to show them wrong.

There is only one truth, and it is true by itself, no one 'determines' it. The persons you name may tell the truth, or they may not. It's important to expect that they will, and hold them to account if they do not.

[MrPots]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

You are falling into the trap of thinking there are 'competing' truths, or 'alternate' facts. This enables liars to say 'oh, that's just your truth,' denying the power of truth to show them wrong.

There is only one truth, and it is true by itself, no one 'determines' it. The persons you name may tell the truth, or they may not. It's important to expect that they will, and hold them to account if they do not.

Well stated

[donquixote99]

Lesson Nine from Historian Tim Snyder:

9. Investigate. Figure things out for yourself. Spend more time with long articles. Subsidize investigative journalism by subscribing to print media. Realize that some of what is on your screen is there to harm you. Learn about sites that investigate foreign propaganda pushes.

If you aren't careful, the next-to-last sentence changes: strike 'some,' insert 'most.'

[donquixote99]

Lesson Ten from Historian Tim Snyder:

10. Practice corporeal politics. Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them.

Getting out on the street means you care. Staying home means you don't.

Stand Against Racism Rally today in Dayton. 12-2, Courthouse Square. See you there!

[merrylander]

Not only power - age does much the same.

[donquixote99]

Lesson Eleven from Historian Tim Snyder:

11. Make eye contact and small talk. This is not just polite. It is a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down unnecessary social barriers, and come to understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.

Don't assume--get to know people. All sorts of people. Ignorance is never strength.

And, I think part of what Snyder is saying here is good relations with those around you is a defense against being a 'other' who can become a target for gossip and denunciation if the times become 'McCarthy-like.'

[donquixote99]

Lesson Twelve from Historian Tim Snyder

12. Take responsibility for the face of the world. Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.

Don't let the haters feel like they have claimed the territory.