Thread by @Kpaxs

How to be a successful dictator, a THREAD:

* Introduce terror so people keep their heads down and don't ask any questions.

* Create a system of informers so they won't know who can be trusted.

* Hammer them with propaganda which praises blind obedience.

* Put them in community groups which will consume time and energy amid the scrutiny of neighbors.

* Hand out a few impressive titles so bullies will have status.

* Have everyone constantly on the alert for enemies, real or imagined.

* Tell them how much you care about their aspirations.

* Remove anyone who exhibits the slightest sign of disloyalty.

* Reward people who have notable flaws and who are psychologically dependent upon pleasing the ruler.

* Make it clear that relatives and friends of "criminals" will also be punished.

* Get confessions so even those who know better may harbor a slight doubt of the accused person's innocence.

* Re-write history to remove any troublesome facts.

* Create a ruthless inner circle to deflect silent criticism from the ruler.

* Establish an ethical system based on gaining the approval of the ruler.

* Subvert the courts.

* Twist the law.

* Indoctrinate the children.

* Destroy property rights.

* Cultivate a privileged class of intellectuals.

* Use credulous journalists.

* Make everything secondary to the survival of the regime.

* Say that all of this is done for the people. And keep saying that.