Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness a more humane society will not emerge.
Vaclav HavelRead
Genuine politics -- even politics worthy of the name -- the only politics I am willing to devote myself to -- is simply a matter of serving those around us: serving the community and serving those who will come after us. Its deepest roots are moral because it is a responsibility expressed through action, to and for the whole.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genuine politics is about selflessly serving the community and future generations.
This quote by Vaclav Havel emphasizes that true politics is fundamentally about serving others and fulfilling moral responsibilities. It suggests that politics should not be driven by personal ambition or power, but rather by a commitment to the well-being of the community and a sense of duty towards future generations, reflecting the deeper ethical roots that should guide political action.
Themes
PoliticsServiceCommunityResponsibilityMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a political discussion about community initiatives, this quote can illustrate the importance of serving others.
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.
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In my opinion, theater shouldn't give advice to citizens.
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Sometimes I wonder if suicides aren't in fact sad guardians of the meaning of life.
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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.
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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
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