Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This is not just polite. It is part of being a citizen and a responsible member of society. It is also a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down social barriers, and understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.
-Timothy Snyder
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This passage highlights the importance of social awareness and human connection in maintaining a healthy, functioning society. Look people in the eyes. Nod and smile. Engaging with those around us- whether it’s through small acts of politeness, genuine conversations, or community involvement; isn’t just about good manners. It helps us break down divisions, build trust, and stay informed about the social and political climate we live in. In times of political instability, knowing who you can trust and understanding the motivations of those around you becomes even more crucial, especially if society shifts toward authoritarianism, where public denunciations and betrayals become tools of oppression. By staying connected, we can resist fear-driven division and maintain the solidarity needed to uphold democracy and justice.
This is not just polite. It is part of being a citizen and a responsible member of society. It is also a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down social barriers, and understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.
-Timothy Snyder
____________
This passage highlights the importance of social awareness and human connection in maintaining a healthy, functioning society. Look people in the eyes. Nod and smile. Engaging with those around us- whether it’s through small acts of politeness, genuine conversations, or community involvement; isn’t just about good manners. It helps us break down divisions, build trust, and stay informed about the social and political climate we live in. In times of political instability, knowing who you can trust and understanding the motivations of those around you becomes even more crucial, especially if society shifts toward authoritarianism, where public denunciations and betrayals become tools of oppression. By staying connected, we can resist fear-driven division and maintain the solidarity needed to uphold democracy and justice.
