This was uplifting. The centering of Love in the concept of freedom, the idea that we can't be other than who we are as freedom - thank you. Finally decided to subscribe even though it's a stretch.
This is beautiful. Tying into your musical references as relates to freedom and security, truth essence Jazz. I‘ve listened extensively to Wynton Marsalis discussion about jazz and democracy. His discussion about a musician, an orchestra or a small group and improvisation where musicians perform together, and solo sharing time and being able to both perform at one’s best and also setting up a situation for everyone else to excel. Making room for the group to grow as everyone has trust with their group- which also gives the individual the ability to excel. if I understood correctly no warm bath as once you are set and complacent there is no swing. Essence we need to be secure enough to ‘do’ that security is freedom. Thank you
Re: Zelens'kyi's decision to stay: I was also surprised by this, until I watched his TV show (Servant of the People). The protagonist President he created back in 2014-15 risked and endured physical harm and imprisonment to stand up for his country's interests, even when offered an easier/safer way out. I think it foreshadowed real world events quite nicely and speaks to a pretty deep-rooted sense of patriotic risk. Very cool to hear him confirm it!
This is beautiful, thank you. I can’t stop thinking about how the Uvalde shooting responders acted so out of line with not only their training but also all proclamations of guns = power and security. It was so weird to watch that charade, while Ukrainians fought with seemingly not a moment’s thought. But there was a moment’s thought and so much more. Generations in Ukraine honoring the values of freedom as daily practices, not abstract future (always future) ideals. Thank you Professor Snyder for articulating something so important and interesting. Слава Україні!
I am sure I'll be listening to this lecture a few more times; I wish I could have heard it in person at Colby College, but am grateful that Professor Snyder shared it with us on Thinking About. These lessons give me much to think about.
Thank you for sharing this. I am looking forward to your book. Havel has long been a hero of mine, because of the way he helped me to see living in truth as a political act, a powerful act, toward freedom.
I felt a chill, as I was reminded of hearing Zelens'kyi saying that he was "here." His declaring to Ukrainians that there president was there, with them, from the first days, was incredibly powerful. His nightly addresses reaffirm his commitment to living the truth. And thank goodness that he is the product of his parents' teaching, his own sense of freedom and justice, and of all those who helped develop his character. I listen to Zelens'kyi's address most days (several hours after they are posted) and I am continually impressed by his emphasis on both courage and humanity, on both holding the aggressors accountable and on en-couraging Ukrainians to see their strengths. It is a wonderful thing to see a leader that leads by standing with his people, not standing over them.
I'm looking forward to your book for more exegesis on your direct attack on existentialism. As I understand "existence precedes essence" it's a precondition for taking responsibility for one's freedom, not surrendering to existence. We are thrown into existence, and our task is to construct our freedom; that it is an act of will, against structural factors, not in surrender to them .
To me, Zelenskii's act of staying is an assertion not of some essence, but of choosing rebellion against inevitability as defined by both Russian and "everyone else's" expectations.
That was fantastic, Dr. Snyder. And as others have commented, truly inspirational. Thanks kindly for lending your unique voice to our public discourse.
Truth about Freedom: The route/root to freedom from essence, being, security, performance, practice, accumulating values, pluralism, what actually matters, extend yourself, check yourself, love, kindness and freedom. Timothy Snyder thank you for guiding us along the route/root.
Pope Benedict XVI said "The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." How often we forego the potential to be of great character for superficial comfort. I loved this lecture. More, please.
This was uplifting. The centering of Love in the concept of freedom, the idea that we can't be other than who we are as freedom - thank you. Finally decided to subscribe even though it's a stretch.
This is beautiful. Tying into your musical references as relates to freedom and security, truth essence Jazz. I‘ve listened extensively to Wynton Marsalis discussion about jazz and democracy. His discussion about a musician, an orchestra or a small group and improvisation where musicians perform together, and solo sharing time and being able to both perform at one’s best and also setting up a situation for everyone else to excel. Making room for the group to grow as everyone has trust with their group- which also gives the individual the ability to excel. if I understood correctly no warm bath as once you are set and complacent there is no swing. Essence we need to be secure enough to ‘do’ that security is freedom. Thank you
Thank you. Fantastic lecture. Grinning from ear to ear.
Loving my son gave him freedom. Who am i? I love redwood trees and the book, Many Moons by James Thurber. That is my truth. At least a part of it.
Thank you,
Annie
Very compelling! Looking forward to the book.
Re: Zelens'kyi's decision to stay: I was also surprised by this, until I watched his TV show (Servant of the People). The protagonist President he created back in 2014-15 risked and endured physical harm and imprisonment to stand up for his country's interests, even when offered an easier/safer way out. I think it foreshadowed real world events quite nicely and speaks to a pretty deep-rooted sense of patriotic risk. Very cool to hear him confirm it!
Thank you for this podcast!
Слава Украине!
@zappa
"Take a day and walk around
Watch the Nazis run your town
Then go home and check yourself
You think we're singing 'bout someone else?"
—Zappa, "Plastic People" from Absolutely Free (1967)
https://twitter.com/zappa/status/1253670494936719360?lang=en
This is beautiful, thank you. I can’t stop thinking about how the Uvalde shooting responders acted so out of line with not only their training but also all proclamations of guns = power and security. It was so weird to watch that charade, while Ukrainians fought with seemingly not a moment’s thought. But there was a moment’s thought and so much more. Generations in Ukraine honoring the values of freedom as daily practices, not abstract future (always future) ideals. Thank you Professor Snyder for articulating something so important and interesting. Слава Україні!
I am sure I'll be listening to this lecture a few more times; I wish I could have heard it in person at Colby College, but am grateful that Professor Snyder shared it with us on Thinking About. These lessons give me much to think about.
Thank you for sharing this. I am looking forward to your book. Havel has long been a hero of mine, because of the way he helped me to see living in truth as a political act, a powerful act, toward freedom.
I felt a chill, as I was reminded of hearing Zelens'kyi saying that he was "here." His declaring to Ukrainians that there president was there, with them, from the first days, was incredibly powerful. His nightly addresses reaffirm his commitment to living the truth. And thank goodness that he is the product of his parents' teaching, his own sense of freedom and justice, and of all those who helped develop his character. I listen to Zelens'kyi's address most days (several hours after they are posted) and I am continually impressed by his emphasis on both courage and humanity, on both holding the aggressors accountable and on en-couraging Ukrainians to see their strengths. It is a wonderful thing to see a leader that leads by standing with his people, not standing over them.
I'm looking forward to your book for more exegesis on your direct attack on existentialism. As I understand "existence precedes essence" it's a precondition for taking responsibility for one's freedom, not surrendering to existence. We are thrown into existence, and our task is to construct our freedom; that it is an act of will, against structural factors, not in surrender to them .
To me, Zelenskii's act of staying is an assertion not of some essence, but of choosing rebellion against inevitability as defined by both Russian and "everyone else's" expectations.
As always, thanks for your work.
That was fantastic, Dr. Snyder. And as others have commented, truly inspirational. Thanks kindly for lending your unique voice to our public discourse.
Truth about Freedom: The route/root to freedom from essence, being, security, performance, practice, accumulating values, pluralism, what actually matters, extend yourself, check yourself, love, kindness and freedom. Timothy Snyder thank you for guiding us along the route/root.
Won’t analyze the performance. One word comes to mind for me, Affirming. Thank you Timothy Snyder.
Pope Benedict XVI said "The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." How often we forego the potential to be of great character for superficial comfort. I loved this lecture. More, please.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks as always for your work!