20 Lessons on Tyranny: What History Teaches Us About Protecting Democracy, Empathy, and Each Other
20 Lessons on Tyranny: What History Teaches Us About Protecting Democracy, Empathy, and Each Other
As a therapist working with trauma, emotional development, and relational healing, I often reflect on how large systems — political, cultural, and spiritual — affect our mental health and our capacity for connection.
Recently, I listened to the powerful audio recording of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Yale historian Timothy Snyder, read by the remarkable John Lithgow. Hearing these lessons spoken aloud gave them a weight and urgency that felt especially relevant in our current moment.
Snyder reminds us that history is not something we study just to understand the past. It’s something we study so we don’t repeat it. His book distills 20 clear, powerful lessons drawn from how fascism and authoritarianism took root in Europe — and how citizens either resisted or silently complied. It’s a timely, sobering, and empowering listen.
Whether you’re someone navigating the tension of a divided family, processing the fear of rising hate speech, or simply wondering how to stay grounded in your values when so much feels upside-down — these lessons offer tools, not just warnings.
Here’s a summary, through a trauma-informed lens:
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20 Lessons on Tyranny: What History Teaches Us About Protecting Democracy, Empathy, and Each Other
By Darren Elliott, Registered Psychotherapist
As a therapist working with trauma, emotional development, and relational healing, I often reflect on how large systems — political, cultural, and spiritual — affect our mental health and our capacity for connection.
This reflection was inspired by the audio edition of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder, powerfully narrated by John Lithgow. Listening to these lessons read aloud adds a deep emotional resonance that is both sobering and motivating. Highly recommended.
Snyder reminds us that history is not something we study just to understand the past. It’s something we study so we don’t repeat it. His book distills 20 clear, powerful lessons drawn from how fascism and authoritarianism took root in Europe — and how citizens either resisted or silently complied. It’s a timely, sobering, and empowering read.
Whether you’re someone navigating the tension of a divided family, processing the fear of rising hate speech, or simply wondering how to stay grounded in your values when so much feels upside-down — these lessons offer tools, not just warnings.
Here’s a summary, through a trauma-informed lens:
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1. Do not obey in advance.
Authoritarians rely on people “falling in line” without being asked. Emotional safety sometimes tricks us into appeasement. But early resistance is where we still have power.
2. Defend institutions.
No system is perfect — but courts, schools, public healthcare, and journalism matter. When institutions are weakened, marginalized voices are often the first to be silenced.
3. Beware the one-party state.
Democracy needs difference. When one voice dominates, groupthink takes over, and critical reflection gets labeled “disloyalty.”
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world.
If we walk past hate graffiti, slurs, or harmful slogans and say nothing — we normalize it. Visibility matters. So does silence.
5. Remember professional ethics.
If you’re a teacher, doctor, therapist, civil servant — your integrity matters. The people in power may change. Your ethics must not.
6. Be wary of paramilitaries.
When authority begins outsourcing power to “unofficial” enforcers, democracy is already under threat. Uniforms don’t make it legal.
7. Be reflective if you must be armed.
If you’re in law enforcement or the military, your responsibility is to protect the people — not to serve political agendas. Trauma-informed decision-making matters here too.
8. Stand out.
Courage is contagious. Be the first to speak up. It may help someone else realize they’re not alone.
9. Be kind to our language.
When words lose their meaning, manipulation wins. Avoid dehumanizing labels. Say what you mean. Speak with clarity and care.
10. Believe in truth.
Truth matters — not just your truth or my truth, but truth anchored in evidence, accountability, and compassion. Without truth, healing is impossible.
11. Investigate.
Ask questions. Check your sources. Don’t share something unless you know it’s true. Gaslighting thrives on repetition.
12. Make eye contact and small talk.
Say hello to strangers. Smile at your barista. These little acts build community — the very thing authoritarianism tries to destroy.
13. Practice corporeal politics.
Don’t just post. Show up. Vote in person. Protest peacefully. There is power in being physically present.
14. Establish a private life.
Protect your personal world. Be mindful about what you share. Tyranny thrives where people have no refuge.
15. Contribute to good causes.
Support those doing the hard work — nonprofits, legal advocates, LGBTQ+ centres, mental health supports. Every donation, every volunteer hour matters.
16. Learn from others around the world.
What’s happening here isn’t new. Authoritarianism is global — so is resistance. Let’s learn from our peers in Poland, Hungary, Iran, and beyond.
17. Listen for dangerous words.
When leaders start calling the press “the enemy” or accusing others of being “vermin,” alarm bells should go off. Dehumanization always comes before cruelty.
18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
Moments of chaos are often used to grab power. Stay steady. Know your rights. Don’t let fear make you freeze.
19. Be a patriot.
Loving your country means holding it accountable. Real patriotism doesn’t scream for obedience — it stands up for justice.
20. Be as courageous as you can.
Courage isn’t just for the front lines. Sometimes it’s standing up to a family member at dinner. Sometimes it’s holding a sign, or holding space for someone who’s afraid. Be brave — in your way.
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Why These Lessons Matter in Therapy (and in Life)
In my work with individuals and couples, I see the ripple effects of systems that silence, devalue, or punish difference. Many of us are carrying intergenerational trauma — from colonization, from religious exclusion, from homophobia or racism, from emotionally immature parents who never modelled empathy.
When society mirrors those patterns — when politicians gaslight, or churches shame, or policies target our communities — it can re-trigger the wounds we’re working so hard to heal.
But there is power in awareness. Snyder’s lessons remind us: we are not powerless. We are citizens, community members, neighbours — and that means we have choices. We can speak. We can show up. We can support each other.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re queer, racialized, disabled, an immigrant, a trauma survivor — or just someone trying to live with more compassion and clarity — remember this:
Democracy is emotional.
It’s about relationship. It’s about how we treat each other. It’s about how we respond to fear — with either love and accountability, or control and cruelty.
You are allowed to feel overwhelmed. You are also allowed to be hopeful. The work you do to heal, to connect, to stay kind — it matters.
Thank you for being part of the movement toward a more emotionally intelligent world. We need you.
Warmly,
Darren Elliott, RP
Psychotherapy for relational healing, self-awareness, and authentic connection
