Death Quote by Timothy D. Snyder
“The aspiring tyrants of today have not forgotten the lesson of 1933: that acts of terror - real or fake, provoked or accidental - can provide the occasion to deal a death blow to democracy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Tyranny, 2017
Terror, real or fabricated, can be exploited to undermine democracy.
In simple terms: Terrorism can destroy democracy.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant against fear‑based attacks on democratic institutions.
Themes
democracy
terrorism
political manipulation
history
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- election security
- media literacy
- public protest
- legal safeguards
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
propaganda
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies resist panic‑driven policies?
- What safeguards protect democracy from false threats?
A Different Perspective
Fear can be weaponized even without actual terror.
