Totalitarianism and the Erosion of Truth

The greatest danger we face is giving up on truth.

Authoritarian politicians don’t just lie—they erode trust in truth itself, making people cynical and easier to manipulate. In this deceptive climate, people become overwhelmed by disinformation and stop seeking the truth altogether.

Did you know that the most dangerous authoritarian regimes don't just rely on propaganda to push their ideology? Instead, they flood the public sphere with so many lies, distortions, and contradictions that people lose their ability--and desire--to distinguish truth and falsehood. (Does that sound familiar??)

This is why the “ideal subjects” of authoritarian rule aren’t those who are fanatically loyal but rather “people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.” This quote is from Hannah Arendt, one of the most influential political philosophers of the 20th century. I highly recommend her book, The Origins of Totalitarianism.

Why is the break down between truth and lies so dangerous? Because when we no longer believe in a shared reality, we lose the ability to collectively resist oppression and demand accountability.

All Americans can challenge the cynical contempt for facts that has been overtaking contemporary post-truth politics. Here are 3 things you can do, starting today.

Action Steps:

✅ Call out lies clearly and consistently. I can't emphasize this enough. When you're silent in the face of lies, you're helping to normalize them.

✅ Defend the importance of facts—even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

✅ Don't spread false information online. Researchers have demonstrated that we ALL are susceptible to sharing misinformation on social media! Always consider accuracy before sharing any content.