Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness a more humane society will not emerge.
The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself but when he plays the role destiny has for him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A person's true character is revealed not by their aspirations but by how they respond to life's challenges.
This quote by Vaclav Havel emphasizes that the true measure of a person's character is not only determined by the roles they choose for themselves but significantly by their ability to accept and fulfill the responsibilities that life and destiny impose upon them. It suggests that real integrity and strength are shown in how one faces unexpected circumstances and challenges, indicating a deeper understanding of life's unforeseen obligations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire individuals during a team meeting to reflect on how they meet unexpected challenges at work.
More from Vaclav Havel
All quotes βOwnership 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.
In my opinion, theater shouldn't give advice to citizens.
Sometimes I wonder if suicides aren't in fact sad guardians of the meaning of life.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
I've been present at birth, and death is just as present and in equal balance. And I've been present at death, and birth is just as present, again in equal balance.
My worth to God in public is what I am in private.
How prone poor Humanity is to dam up the minutest remnants of its freedom, and build an artificial roof to prevent it looking up to the clear blue sky.
It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. The choices we make determine our destiny.
I don't know who I am or who I was. I know it less than ever. I do and I don't identify myself with myself. Everything is totally contradictory, but maybe I have remained exactly as I was as a small boy of twelve.
The instability of our laws is really an immense evil. I think it would be well to provide in our constitutions that there shall always be a twelve-month between the ingross-ing a bill & passing it: that it should then be offered to its passage without changing a word: and that if circum-stances should be thought to require a speedier passage, it should take two thirds of both houses instead of a bare majority.