Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness a more humane society will not emerge.
Vaclav HavelRead
When a truth is not given complete freedom, freedom is not complete.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Complete freedom requires the unrestrained expression of truth.
This quote by Vaclav Havel emphasizes the intrinsic link between truth and freedom. It suggests that when truth is suppressed or limited, the concept of freedom itself becomes distorted and incomplete, highlighting the necessity for an open society where ideas can flow freely without censorship or restraint.
Themes
TruthFreedomExpressionSocietyHonesty
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for free speech and transparency in government.
More from Vaclav Havel
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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.
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We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.
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