On Freedom

A brilliant exploration of freedom – what it is, how it’s been misunderstood, and why it’s our only chance for survival from the acclaimed, bestselling author of On Tyranny

Too many of us look at freedom as the absence of state power: we think we’re free if we can do and say as we please. But true freedom isn’t so much freedom from, as freedom to – the freedom to thrive, to take risks for futures we choose by working together. Freedom is the value that makes all other values possible.

Drawing on the work of philosophers and political dissidents, conversations with contemporary thinkers and his own experiences, Snyder identifies the practices and attitudes that will allow us to design a world in which we and future generations can flourish. Intimate yet ambitious, this book forges a new consensus rooted in a politics of abundance, generosity and grace. It is a thrilling intellectual journey and a tour de force of political philosophy.

On Tyranny inspired millions around the world to fight for freedom; On Freedom helps us see exactly what we’re fighting for.

Review

On Freedom is … penetrating in its analysis of our current crises…and clear in its prescriptions for change … This is a rigorous and visionary argument … to his prescriptions for freedom you might add three more: buy or borrow this book, read it, take it to heart ― Observer

Written with such panache that one cannot fail to be impressed by the author’s eloquence and learning … Profoundly humane ― The Times

We hear of freedom, but do we grasp it? In these hard times for liberty, On Freedom offers a deep inquiry arising from a diversity of perspectives. It makes the case that freedom, once explored and understood, is the way forward to good government. We are all fortunate that Professor Snyder has shown us the way -- President Volodymyr Zelens'kyi

Invaluable ... intellectually rich, yet personal ... passionate -- Martin Wolf ― Financial Times

Timothy Snyder is one of our most original and perceptive thinkers, on the history of Europe, on American politics, and now, on freedom. Everyone who cares about freedom - what it means and what it takes to preserve it - should read this book -- Anne Applebaum

There's nothing else like On Freedom. This time the acclaimed historian draws not just from global history but his own. The result is a wonderfully provocative and profoundly persuasive book. Snyder leads us away from our misconception that freedom is just the removal of what stands in our way and toward a project of liberty that, through active engagement and commitment to the common good, we can achieve together -- J. J. Abrams

A must-read. Timothy Snyder is one of the leading minds of our times. This new book draws from his work as an historian of central Europe, his travelling and moving encounters in Ukraine at war, and his thinking on how democracy, pluralism and wealth inequality will look like in 2076 United States and the world at large -- Thomas Piketty

Much like life itself, freedom needs to defined and redefined ... On Freedom offers fresh insight into essential aspects of human existence - the values and obligations inherent in every individual's life -- Ai Weiwei

A great and daring book … magnificent. Above all, Snyder’s insightful and powerful work reminds us that freedom is about humanity, and that creating a better world is up to us -- Heather Cox Richardson

Passionate, intimate, compelling - a clarion call for principle and commitment in a time of tumult and challenge -- Philippe Sands

About the Author

Timothy Snyder has been called ‘the leading interpreter of our dark times’. As a historian, he has given us startling reinterpretations of political collapse and mass killing. As a public intellectual, he has turned that knowledge towards counsel and prediction, working against authoritarians and populists. After a quarter century at Yale, he now teaches history at the Munk School in the University of Toronto and his books, which have been published in over forty languages, include Bloodlands, Black Earth, On Tyranny, Road to Unfreedom, Our Malady and On Freedom. His work has inspired poster campaigns and exhibitions, sculptures, a punk rock song, a rap song, a play and an opera, and he has appeared in over fifty films and documentaries.