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It has become clear that the legacy of the past decades we have to cope with is even worse than we anticipated or could anticipate in the joyful atmosphere of those first weeks of freedom. New problems are emerging day by day, and we can see how interconnected they are, how long it takes to solve them, and how difficult it is to establish priorities.

Vaclav Havel#76

ChangeFreedomTransitionOrderGovernanceComplexityProblems

About this quote

What does it mean?
The transition to freedom reveals complex and interconnected problems that are harder to solve than anticipated.
In plain terms
Freedom brings unexpected and complex problems that take time to solve.
What can you take from it?
Post-revolution challenges are often deeper than expected.

Where it applies

  • political reform
  • societal change
  • post-conflict

Putting it to work

  • Prepare for complex problems
  • Set realistic priorities
  • Expect long timelines

Questions to consider

  • Are you prepared for long-term change?
  • What problems did freedom reveal?

Another view

It may discourage people hoping for immediate results.

More from Vaclav Havel

  1. There used to be a time when this country's president could have delivered the same New Year's Address he had given a year before, and nobody would have notice…

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. We have discovered that what a year ago seemed to be a neglected house is essentially a ruin. This is not a pleasant fact, and it is not surprising that all of…

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. People, your government has returned to you!

    Permalink to quote #74

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