My honorable task is to strengthen the authority of our country in the world. I would be glad if other states respected us for showing understanding, tolerance and love for peace. I would be happy if Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama of Tibet could visit our country before the elections, if only for a day. I would be happy if our friendly relations with all nations were strengthened. I would be happy if we succeeded before the elections in establishing diplomatic relations with the Vatican and Israel.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A leader aims to strengthen country authority through tolerance, peace, and diplomacy.
- In plain terms
- A country improves by respecting peace and others.
- What can you take from it?
- Lead with tolerance to gain respect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does a nation gain respect?
- Is peace always possible?
Another view
Tolerance alone may not secure state interests.
More from Vaclav Havel
Let us teach ourselves and others that politics should be an expression of a desire to contribute to the happiness of the community rather than of a need to ch…
Permalink to quote #71 You may ask what kind of republic I dream of. Let me reply: I dream of a republic independent, free, and democratic, of a republic economically prosperous and …
Permalink to quote #73 Our country, if that is what we want, can now permanently radiate love, understanding, the power of the spirit and of ideas. It is precisely this glow that we …
Permalink to quote #70
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