On Fascism by Matthew C. Macwilliams Summary
Overview of On Fascism
In "On Fascism," MacWilliams reveals 46% of Americans inconsistently support democracy. Endorsed by constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe as brilliantly complementing Snyder's "On Tyranny," this provocative 208-page journey challenges American exceptionalism while offering urgent lessons from our darkest historical chapters.
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Key takeaways
The Authoritarian Shadow in America's Heart
America has always been caught in a tug-of-war between its lofty democratic ideals and darker authoritarian impulses. Matthew C. MacWilliams' research reveals a disturbing reality: approximately 18% of Americans are highly disposed to authoritarianism, with another 23% just below them. This means four in ten Americans favor authority, obedience, and uniformity over freedom and diversity. The tension between our democratic rhetoric and authoritarian tendencies creates a perpetual identity crisis that threatens the very foundations of our republic. When fear takes hold, these authoritarian impulses can quickly override constitutional protections. We've seen this pattern repeatedly throughout American history-from the Alien and Sedition Acts to Japanese internment to post-9/11 surveillance. Each time, Americans have eventually pulled back from the brink, but not before causing significant damage to our democratic institutions and values. The question isn't whether America has authoritarian tendencies-it's whether we can recognize and resist them before they destroy what makes America worth fighting for.
The Democratic Facade Crumbles Under Scrutiny
The Paranoid Style: Manufacturing Fear for Political Gain
Constitutional Rights: More Fragile Than We Think
Othering as National Policy: From Native Removal to Muslim Bans
From McCarthy to Trump: The Return of American Authoritarianism
Rebuilding America: Choosing Freedom Over Fear
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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