GZERO World with Ian Bremmer
Why freedom is on the ballot this November: Historian Timothy Snyder
Oct 12, 2024
Timothy Snyder, a renowned author and historian, delves into the evolving concept of freedom as he discusses his book, 'On Freedom.' He emphasizes the shift from 'freedom from' oppression to 'freedom to' engage in healthcare and love. Snyder highlights the role of the press in combating misinformation, warning that differing facts threaten our notion of freedom. He draws on Ukraine’s resilience to showcase freedom as an ongoing journey, advocating for a collective understanding that extends beyond political rhetoric to encompass community well-being.
30:33
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Quick takeaways
- Timothy Snyder emphasizes redefining freedom to focus on the 'freedom to' pursue meaningful goals rather than merely 'freedom from' oppression.
- Snyder highlights the essential role of accurate information and community engagement in achieving a collective understanding of freedom in a democratic society.
Deep dives
Reframing Freedom
The concept of freedom is evolving, moving away from a focus solely on 'freedom from' oppressive regimes to a discussion of 'freedom to' pursue personal and societal goals. Historically, in the aftermath of communism, the belief was that removing barriers would automatically create positive outcomes. Tim Snyder argues that this approach is flawed since, after barriers are removed, it is essential to define what individuals and society wish to achieve. A positive conception of freedom encourages engagement in meaningful pursuits that enhance personal and collective growth.
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