From Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
“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.”
Snyder outlines how the dismissal of truth paves the way for authoritarianism:
- Ignoring and Lying: Authoritarian leaders often ignore factual information and propagate falsehoods. For instance, during his presidential campaigns and his first term in office, a significant portion of Donald Trump’s statements were lies.
- Repetition of Phrases: Such leaders frequently repeat catchy slogans or nicknames to create emotional bonds with their followers, turning politics into mere spectacle. Examples include chants like “Build that wall” and “Lock her up.”
- Contradictory Logic: They may present contradictory promises or policies, leading to a blatant abandonment of reasoning among the populace. For example, promising to lower taxes, increase spending, and reduce debt simultaneously.
How do we challenge misinformation, lies, and rhetoric?
1. Ask Questions
- Be Curious: Always question the information you encounter. Ask who, what, where, when, why, and how. Don’t accept information at face value; dig deeper to understand the context and the evidence behind claims.
2. Analyze Information
- Evaluate Sources: Consider the information sources’ credibility, reliability, and bias.
- Examine Assumptions: Identify and challenge underlying assumptions in arguments or statements.
3. Consider Multiple Perspectives
- Avoid Confirmation Bias: Look for evidence that supports and contradicts your beliefs.
4. Reflect on Your Thinking
- Self-Awareness: Be aware of your own biases, emotions, and tendencies.
- Adapt and Adjust: Be willing to change your viewpoint when presented with new evidence or better reasoning. Be willing to say, “I don’t know,” ” I was wrong,” or ” I need to learn more about that.”
5. Think Open-Mindedly
- Recognize Complexity: Understand that issues often have multiple layers and cannot be reduced to simple binaries.
6. Communicate Effectively
- Engage in Discussions: Exchange ideas with others to refine your thinking and challenge your reasoning.
7. Practice Regularly
- Daily Application: Apply critical thinking to everyday decisions, from evaluating news stories to making personal choices.
- Learn from Feedback: Engage with others who can critique your thought process, helping you improve.
Remember: Do not share information or speak with certainty until you have taken the above steps. I am practicing this also!
Believe in Truth Video- Timothy Synder
