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 yet socially just; in short, of a humane republic that serves the individual and that therefore holds the hope that the individual will serve it in turn. Of a republic of well-rounded people, because without such people it is impossible to solve any of our problems - human, economic, ecological, social, or political.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A good republic serves individuals, requires well-rounded people to solve problems.
- In plain terms
- A democracy needs honest people to work well for everyone.
- What can you take from it?
- Build a republic with well-rounded citizens serving each other.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a humane republic?
- How do citizens serve the state?
Another view
Ideal republics are difficult to achieve in practice.
More from Vaclav Havel
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…
Permalink to quote #72 People, your government has returned to you!
Permalink to quote #74 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
Related quotes
Public officers are the servants and agents of the people, to execute the laws which the people have made.
Grover ClevelandGrover Cleveland quote #2 No greater mistake can be made than to think that our institutions are fixed or may not be changed for the worse. ... Increasing prosperity tends to breed indi…
Charles Evans HughesCharles Evans Hughes quote #3 Democracy is the destiny of humanity; freedom its indestructible arm.
Benito JuarezBenito Juarez quote #4