Vaclav Havel

Czech president, playwright

Contemporary influential 120 sayings

Sayings by Vaclav Havel

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.

N/A — Paraphrase of Albert Camus, often attributed to Havel in spirit
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I am an optimist, but I am also a realist.

1990s — Interview
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Totalitarianism is not a political system, it is a human condition.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
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The true measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.

1990s — Speech
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The world is full of wonders, but it is also full of dangers.

1990s — Interview
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The most important thing is to live in truth.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
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I am a man who believes in dialogue.

1990s — Interview
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Freedom is not merely the absence of oppression; it is the presence of justice.

1990s — Speech
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The human spirit is indomitable.

1980s — Speech
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I have always been a dissident.

1980s — Interview
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The responsibility of a writer is to tell the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

1990s — Interview
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The world needs more poets, not more politicians.

1990s — Interview
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We must never forget the lessons of history.

1990s — Speech
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The greatest danger to freedom is indifference.

1990s — Speech
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I am not afraid of death, I am afraid of a life without meaning.

1990s — Interview
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The revolution is not over until everyone is free.

1989 — Speech
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The meaning of life is to live in truth and love.

1990s — Interview
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I am a man who believes in miracles, but I also believe in hard work.

1990s — Interview
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The greatest act of courage is to live in truth.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
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I am not a saint, but I try to be a good man.

1990s — Interview
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