Yale Historian Timothy Snyder Redefines Freedom: Beyond Constraints to Positive Growth and Solidarity
October 22, 2024He discusses the complex relationship Americans have with freedom, a concept they hold in high regard.
Additionally, Snyder has published a new book titled 'De la liberté,' which explores the conditions necessary to preserve freedom.
Overall, Snyder's work challenges conventional definitions of freedom, urging a broader understanding that includes both individual rights and communal support.
Timothy Snyder, a historian at Yale University known for his expertise in the Holocaust and Central European history, recently shared his insights on freedom in an interview with Le Monde.
In his latest book, 'On Freedom,' Snyder delves into the fundamental question of what constitutes a good life and how to safeguard freedom.
He advocates for a shift towards 'positive freedom,' which emphasizes personal development and social support alongside the absence of obstacles.
Snyder argues that true freedom must encompass positive elements such as security, education, and solidarity, which are vital for human growth.
He critiques the prevailing notion of 'negative freedom' in the United States, which he believes is overly simplistic as it focuses solely on the absence of constraints.
Snyder contends that this narrow definition is misleading, as it overlooks the essential values that contribute to a flourishing life.
He posits that freedom should be viewed as a creative process rather than merely a resistance to oppression.
In his earlier work, 'De la tyrannie,' Snyder warned against the threats posed by Trumpism and stressed the importance of preventing violence.
Snyder has previously examined state violence, particularly through the lens of the Holocaust and the Holodomor, to understand the historical atrocities of the 20th century.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources
Le Monde • Oct 21, 2024
Timothy Snyder: 'Americans are killing themselves with their misunderstanding of freedom'