Portrait of Vaclav Havel

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
General Unverifiable

I am an optimist, but I am also a realist.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Totalitarianism is not a political system, it is a human condition.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
General Unverifiable

The true measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members.

1990s — Speech
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The world is full of wonders, but it is also full of dangers.

1990s — Interview
General Unverifiable

The most important thing is to live in truth.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
General Unverifiable

I am a man who believes in dialogue.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Freedom is not merely the absence of oppression; it is the presence of justice.

1990s — Speech
General Unverifiable

The human spirit is indomitable.

1980s — Speech
General Unverifiable

I have always been a dissident.

1980s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

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

1990s — Interview
General Unverifiable

The world needs more poets, not more politicians.

1990s — Interview
General Unverifiable

We must never forget the lessons of history.

1990s — Speech
General Unverifiable

The greatest danger to freedom is indifference.

1990s — Speech
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I am not afraid of death, I am afraid of a life without meaning.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The revolution is not over until everyone is free.

1989 — Speech
General Unverifiable

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

1990s — Interview
Relationships Unverifiable

I am a man who believes in miracles, but I also believe in hard work.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The greatest act of courage is to live in truth.

1978 — Essay, 'The Power of the Powerless'
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I am not a saint, but I try to be a good man.

1990s — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable
Your Cart

Your cart is empty