Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness a more humane society will not emerge.
Vaclav HavelRead
The exercise of power is determined by thousands of interactions between the world of the powerful and that of the powerless, all the more so because these worlds are never divided by a sharp line: everyone has a small part of himself in both.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Power dynamics are complex, with both the powerful and powerless sharing aspects of their existence.
This quote by Vaclav Havel emphasizes the fluid and intricate nature of power. It suggests that the exercise of power is not a straightforward matter but is shaped by countless interactions between those who hold power and those who do not. Importantly, it indicates that the distinction between the powerful and the powerless is not absolute; everyone possesses elements of both within themselves, underscoring our interconnectedness and shared humanity in the power spectrum.
Themes
PowerInteractionsHumanityDynamicsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about leadership and responsibility at a corporate seminar.
More from Vaclav Havel
All quotes →Ownership is not a vice, not something to be ashamed of, but rather a commitment, and an instrument by which the general good can be served.
Vaclav HavelRead
In my opinion, theater shouldn't give advice to citizens.
Vaclav HavelRead
Sometimes I wonder if suicides aren't in fact sad guardians of the meaning of life.
Vaclav HavelRead
Human rights, human freedoms... and human dignity have their deepest roots somewhere outside the perceptible world... while the state is a human creation, human beings are the creation of God.
Vaclav HavelRead
Man is not an omipotent master of the universe, allowed to do with impunity whatever he thinks, or whatever suits him at the moment. The world we live in is made of an immensely complex and mysterious tissue about which we know very little and which we must treat with utmost humility.
Vaclav HavelRead
Similar quotes
In order to obtain and hold power, a man must love it.
Leo TolstoyRead
If you really want to show power in its larger aspects, you need to show the effects on the powerless, for good or ill - the human cost of public works. That's what I try to do, show not only how power works but its effect on people.
Robert CaroRead
I am much pleased to find how very well I stand work & how my powers of attention & continued effort increase.
Ada LovelaceRead
Respect people with less power then you. I don’t care if you’re the most powerful cat in the room, I will judge you on how you treat the least powerful. So there.
Tim MinchinRead
Luckily, my father and my mother liked us to talk, so they encouraged us to talk, so that the girls in my house, they're all very powerful speakers and powerful agents of their own will, as is my brother.
Ntozake ShangeRead
If we give up on politics, we're done for. Powerlessness is a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Robert ReichRead