Technically maximize anonymity?

As far as I know, most TOR nodes are controlled by state-backed organizations, so I can’t completely trust TOR nodes, but would it be safer if I added a VPN before TOR? I still can’t believe the corporate background of VPN. How should I configure my network for maximum security?

A VPN before Tor does not technically improve your security/anonymity. VPN before Tor can be set up if:

  1. Tor is banned in your country and you want to connect to Tor directly without bridges
  2. The fact that your VPN provider knows that you’re using Tor is more preferable than the fact that your ISP knows that you’re using Tor