A lot of resistance advice sounds like it's meant for someone louder. But what if your strength lives in quiet — and that's exactly what this moment needs?
This is so important, and it's comforting. For months after the inauguration, I did the protests, rep calls, rallies, even one day of phone banking (shudder) but I couldn't sustain it, especially as a teacher - it's too much peopling, and I didn't feel like what I did mattered, and did feel like I was forever falling short. I was active - but I was also very depressed, and had to start therapy. But I have kind of found my tentative niche in volunteering evenings weekly for local mutual aid and my local food bank/clothing closet, and selling crafts to raise money for mutual aid, as well as writing my reps. I know it's not as impactful on the grand scale, but it's making some difference in my community, and letting people know they're not alone and we're in this together. I still feel guilty a lot of the time. But I also have much more joy than I did a few months ago. Sometimes I worry that that's a bad thing, that it's not right of me to feel comfortable while others are struggling to survive. But other times I think it's what I need to keep engaging in the ways I can? I don't know. But this helps!
Amber. I hear you. Please do what brings you joy, what has meaning to you. We are in this fight for the long term, and taking care of ourselves, especially our mental and emotional well-being, is vital to succeeding long-term. I think making a meaningful contribution consistently that helps us be well is the most valuable contribution we can make. It’s like being on an airplane and the cabin pressure drops. We put our oxygen mask on first, then help others. 😊🙏🏻
This speaks to me too, Tom, especially putting our own oxygen mask on first. I'm pretty good at that, and have all the tools. But I've just realised I'm putting them on after things hit, and I need to put them on before. I need to take pre-emptive action, so I can hold on for longer, get through greater pressure.
This: " Introverts often lead by example — through consistency, clarity, and principled decision-making. They notice what others miss. They invest in depth over performance. And they build cultures where people feel seen and heard, not just directed."
I continue to remind myself that I matter. I'm retired now, but I quite identify with this leadership style. People matter to me...one or two at a time.
Thank you for this. As a quiet tender (that’s what I call myself, and others who lead quietly), I appreciate the acknowledgement that loud isn’t the only way. We’re in for a long haul, and nothing wears people like us out faster than moving through noise.
Great insights. I especially appreciated the section on how authoritarianism attacks so many of the core values that introverts often share, like education, deep thought, etc. People often tell me I'm overreacting when I push back on those moves but I'm glad to know it's not just me who feels something deeply wrong and dangerous in all this. Thanks
I tend not to like distinctions like introvert and extrovert, but my pastor - who considers himself an extrovert - explained it to me in a way that makes sense. It isn't so much how we act among others, as how do we recharge? My pastor recharges by being around people, talking with people over coffee, informal meetings, and such. But he recognizes the need for quiet time, even though it may not always come naturally. I'm just the opposite. "Doing nothing and doing it well", is right up my alley, and like you say, reflective, low key conversation. But I wouldn't want to be alone all the time, and certainly don't lack passion. By that definition, I can accept leaning introvert. And yes, very much like you, I can be extroverted and demonstrative when needed, but tend to test just thus side of the 'introvert' line.
As for our part in the resistance? Absolutely spot on!
So appreciate this framing, as an introvert. Your line about authoritarians thriving on dominance, speed was so clarifying. While I had not yet been able to articulated it, until reading this piece, I think that is why this moment feels so exhausting to me personally. It's all the ways of being that I have always resisted.
I so needed to hear this, Paul! Thank you for so beautifully reminding this introvert that there's power in using this trait in ways that feel authentic to me that can also be helpful to resisting authoritarianism. I'm feeling inspired to continue figuring out my tiny moves that could lead to brave action. Really appreciate this profound post!
Excellent points! I'm kind of a hermit if not an introvert, and I never met a protest that did not leave me feeling depressed. But I can contain and contextualize what is happening fairly well. So I am joining small activist groups, and I am writing a daily-ish piece here on steps Trump is taking that undermine democracy and human rights. Using your strengths is always a better idea than joining activities where they don't fit.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your post - it captures my dilemma exactly. I’m worn out, yet so afraid I’m not doing enough! Thank you. I will subscribe.
Yes. As an introvert who spends all day talking to people (therapist) and has an extrovert wife, the last thing I want to do is phone bank or go to town halls. Uggghhhh. That’s why I made my “Little House of Resistance” - a station in front of my house with stickers, buttons, red “know your rights” cards, postcards to send to politicians. I love seeing people stop and take things. And I don’t have to talk to them 😆
Thank you Paul for this comforting post that reflects many of my recent thoughts and feelings. Introverted or extroverted, the fast and frenetic news cycle is exhausting and wears you out when you have daily living tasks front and center. I’ve found that I need to pace myself, care for my needs first, and give myself grace. This post helps me to do that.
PLEASE - restack and like.
That nudges the algorithm so this work reaches more people.
This is so important, and it's comforting. For months after the inauguration, I did the protests, rep calls, rallies, even one day of phone banking (shudder) but I couldn't sustain it, especially as a teacher - it's too much peopling, and I didn't feel like what I did mattered, and did feel like I was forever falling short. I was active - but I was also very depressed, and had to start therapy. But I have kind of found my tentative niche in volunteering evenings weekly for local mutual aid and my local food bank/clothing closet, and selling crafts to raise money for mutual aid, as well as writing my reps. I know it's not as impactful on the grand scale, but it's making some difference in my community, and letting people know they're not alone and we're in this together. I still feel guilty a lot of the time. But I also have much more joy than I did a few months ago. Sometimes I worry that that's a bad thing, that it's not right of me to feel comfortable while others are struggling to survive. But other times I think it's what I need to keep engaging in the ways I can? I don't know. But this helps!
'too much peopling' — when I read that phrase, I let go of a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. Thank you — I see you, Amber.
Amber. I hear you. Please do what brings you joy, what has meaning to you. We are in this fight for the long term, and taking care of ourselves, especially our mental and emotional well-being, is vital to succeeding long-term. I think making a meaningful contribution consistently that helps us be well is the most valuable contribution we can make. It’s like being on an airplane and the cabin pressure drops. We put our oxygen mask on first, then help others. 😊🙏🏻
This speaks to me too, Tom, especially putting our own oxygen mask on first. I'm pretty good at that, and have all the tools. But I've just realised I'm putting them on after things hit, and I need to put them on before. I need to take pre-emptive action, so I can hold on for longer, get through greater pressure.
Thank you. 😊🙏🏻
This: " Introverts often lead by example — through consistency, clarity, and principled decision-making. They notice what others miss. They invest in depth over performance. And they build cultures where people feel seen and heard, not just directed."
I continue to remind myself that I matter. I'm retired now, but I quite identify with this leadership style. People matter to me...one or two at a time.
Thank you for all these wonderful comments on "Resisting Authoritarianism for Introverts: An FAQ for Staying Human in Loud Times"!!
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Thank you for this. As a quiet tender (that’s what I call myself, and others who lead quietly), I appreciate the acknowledgement that loud isn’t the only way. We’re in for a long haul, and nothing wears people like us out faster than moving through noise.
Great insights. I especially appreciated the section on how authoritarianism attacks so many of the core values that introverts often share, like education, deep thought, etc. People often tell me I'm overreacting when I push back on those moves but I'm glad to know it's not just me who feels something deeply wrong and dangerous in all this. Thanks
I tend not to like distinctions like introvert and extrovert, but my pastor - who considers himself an extrovert - explained it to me in a way that makes sense. It isn't so much how we act among others, as how do we recharge? My pastor recharges by being around people, talking with people over coffee, informal meetings, and such. But he recognizes the need for quiet time, even though it may not always come naturally. I'm just the opposite. "Doing nothing and doing it well", is right up my alley, and like you say, reflective, low key conversation. But I wouldn't want to be alone all the time, and certainly don't lack passion. By that definition, I can accept leaning introvert. And yes, very much like you, I can be extroverted and demonstrative when needed, but tend to test just thus side of the 'introvert' line.
As for our part in the resistance? Absolutely spot on!
So appreciate this framing, as an introvert. Your line about authoritarians thriving on dominance, speed was so clarifying. While I had not yet been able to articulated it, until reading this piece, I think that is why this moment feels so exhausting to me personally. It's all the ways of being that I have always resisted.
I so needed to hear this, Paul! Thank you for so beautifully reminding this introvert that there's power in using this trait in ways that feel authentic to me that can also be helpful to resisting authoritarianism. I'm feeling inspired to continue figuring out my tiny moves that could lead to brave action. Really appreciate this profound post!
Excellent points! I'm kind of a hermit if not an introvert, and I never met a protest that did not leave me feeling depressed. But I can contain and contextualize what is happening fairly well. So I am joining small activist groups, and I am writing a daily-ish piece here on steps Trump is taking that undermine democracy and human rights. Using your strengths is always a better idea than joining activities where they don't fit.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your post - it captures my dilemma exactly. I’m worn out, yet so afraid I’m not doing enough! Thank you. I will subscribe.
Yes. As an introvert who spends all day talking to people (therapist) and has an extrovert wife, the last thing I want to do is phone bank or go to town halls. Uggghhhh. That’s why I made my “Little House of Resistance” - a station in front of my house with stickers, buttons, red “know your rights” cards, postcards to send to politicians. I love seeing people stop and take things. And I don’t have to talk to them 😆
Thank you Paul for this comforting post that reflects many of my recent thoughts and feelings. Introverted or extroverted, the fast and frenetic news cycle is exhausting and wears you out when you have daily living tasks front and center. I’ve found that I need to pace myself, care for my needs first, and give myself grace. This post helps me to do that.
Well said, sir. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this. My entire being just took a breath.
I’m so glad you found it useful! 🙏🏻☮️💫
Really helpful, Paul… restacked, shared and commented to help this get out there!!