1. Do not obey in advance – Don’t voluntarily surrender power by anticipating what authoritarian leaders might want.
2. Defend institutions – Protect democratic institutions like courts, newspapers, laws, and labor unions through active participation.
3. Beware the one-party state – Support multi-party systems and democratic elections; consider participating in local politics.
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world – Don’t normalize hate symbols; remove them and encourage others to do the same.
5. Remember professional ethics – When political leaders set negative examples, professional integrity becomes crucial.
6. Beware of paramilitaries – When armed groups who claim to oppose the system start marching in uniforms with a leader’s image, freedom is threatened.
7. Be reflective if you must be armed – If you carry weapons, be prepared to refuse irregular orders.
8. Stand out – Someone must be willing to break from conformity; setting an example encourages others to follow.
9. Be kind to our language – Develop your own way of speaking rather than repeating common phrases; read books and disconnect from internet speech.
10. Believe in truth – Abandoning facts abandons freedom; without truth, power cannot be criticized.
11. Investigate – Research thoroughly, support investigative journalism, and be responsible about shared information.
12. Make eye contact and small talk – Maintain human connections and understand your social environment.
13. Practice corporeal politics – Engage physically in the world rather than just emotionally through screens.
14. Establish a private life – Protect your privacy and avoid legal troubles that could be exploited.
15. Contribute to good causes – Support organizations that align with your values.
16. Learn from peers in other countries – Maintain international connections and understand global patterns.
17. Listen for dangerous words – Be alert to manipulative terms like “extremism,” “terrorism,” “emergency,” and “exception.”
18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives – Don’t allow terrorist attacks to justify the elimination of rights and freedoms.
19. Be a patriot – Set a good example of positive national values for future generations.
20. Be as courageous as you can – Freedom requires the willingness to stand up for it.
