Václav Havel

Václav Havel (1936–2011) was a Czech playwright, essayist and dissident who served as the last president of Czechoslovakia (1989–1992) and the first president of the Czech Republic (1993–2003). His leadership during the Velvet Revolution and his writings on human rights and civic responsibility made him an international symbol of peaceful resistance.

Quotes by Václav Havel

Quotes: 3

Hope is not the belief that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. — Václav Havel

Hope as the Certainty of Meaning

Finally, the posture becomes practical through habits. Name the values you will not trade, craft small, repeatable acts that embody them, join communities that remind you who you are, and assess progress by fidelity rather than applause. In activism, caregiving, or research, this approach steadies effort: outcomes still matter, but the source of hope runs deeper than their volatility. [...]

Created on: 9/27/2025

Dreams are the sails that guide our ship to greatness. — Vaclav Havel

Dreams Are the Sails That Guide Our Ship to Greatness - Václav Havel

Václav Havel was a Czech writer, playwright, and former president of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. His thoughts on dreams and greatness reflect his belief in the power of vision and determination in shaping both individual lives and national destinies. [...]

Created on: 3/21/2025

It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs. — Vaclav Havel

Staring Up the Steps is Not Enough; We Must Step Up the Stairs - Vaclav Havel

Vaclav Havel, a Czech writer, philosopher, and political leader, was known for advocating proactive change. This quote reflects his belief in responsibility, action, and the determination to create a better future through individual and collective effort. [...]

Created on: 11/26/2024