On Freedom

by Timothy Snyder
On Freedom cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Philosophy
Technical
  • ID: 2985
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9798217014286
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-09-17
  • Reviews: 3

On Freedom is a profound journey through the concept of freedom, challenging the common misconception that it's merely the absence of state power. Timothy Snyder argues that true freedom is the ability to thrive and shape our futures together, drawing on philosophical insights and personal experiences to redefine our understanding. This book is not just a theoretical exploration but a practical guide to designing a government that fosters abundance, generosity, and grace for future generations. Snyder's work is a call to action, urging us to embrace a politics of collaboration and mutual support to secure our collective freedom. Snyder's deep political and philosophical examination of freedom provides a hopeful view for the future, blending traditions from both the right and left. He emphasizes the importance of institutions and the role they play in sustaining freedom, making this book a crucial read for anyone interested in the future of democracy and human flourishing.

Reviews
Stanford Humanities Center · 2025-01-29
compelling 4.75

The book is praised for its deeply personal perspective on freedom, with Snyder's journey towards valuing liberty being highlighted. It is seen as a compelling and intimate exploration of the concept.

The Stanford Humanities Center's review emphasizes the personal nature of Snyder's exploration of freedom. They appreciate how Snyder's own journey and realizations about liberty make the book deeply resonant and relatable. The reviewer finds the book's personal touch to be its strongest asset, as it allows readers to connect with the ideas on a more intimate level. They argue that this personal approach makes the book's message about freedom more impactful and memorable. The book is seen as a powerful reminder of the importance of valuing and fighting for freedom in our daily lives.

Quick quotes

    This is a deeply personal book and that is what is best about it.

    Snyder describes his own journey towards valuing freedom and the realization that it is a constant struggle.

    The personal touch makes the book's message about freedom more impactful and memorable.

For Better Science · 2024-10-21
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is noted for its philosophical approach to defining true freedom, contrasting it with misconceptions often perpetuated by oligarchs. It is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of liberty.

For Better Science commends Snyder's philosophical approach to freedom, arguing that he effectively distinguishes between genuine liberty and the distorted versions promoted by those in power. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of freedom both enlightening and necessary, particularly in today's political landscape. They appreciate Snyder's effort to demystify freedom and present it in a way that is accessible and relevant to contemporary issues. The book is seen as a call to action for readers to rethink their understanding of freedom and its importance in society.

Quick quotes

    The book is a philosophical approach to define what actual freedom really is as opposed to what it is often wrongly defined as, by oligarchs and others.

    Snyder's exploration of freedom is both thought-provoking and necessary in today's political climate.

    It is a call to action for readers to rethink their understanding of freedom and its importance in society.

The Guardian · 2024-09-23
essential 4.50

The book is praised as a visionary manifesto that reclaims the notion of liberty from the right and outlines the tenets of a free society. It is seen as an essential read in the current political climate.

The Guardian's review highlights how this book is a crucial companion to Snyder's earlier work, On Tyranny. They argue that Snyder effectively redefines freedom, moving it away from the narrow interpretations often pushed by oligarchs and right-wing ideologies. The reviewer appreciates the book's timely relevance and its call for a more inclusive and thoughtful understanding of liberty. They believe it offers practical steps towards achieving a truly free society, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of democracy today.

Quick quotes

    This visionary companion title to 2017's On Tyranny reclaims the notion of liberty from the right and identifies the tenets of a free society.

    Snyder's book is an essential manifesto for change, offering a fresh perspective on what freedom truly means.

    It is a timely and necessary exploration of liberty in an era where democratic values are under threat.

Appears in Lists