Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Havel urges acknowledging unexpected progress and achievements that seemed impossible recently.
In plain terms
Remember the good things and accomplishments that surprised us this year.
What can you take from it?
Celebrate progress that once seemed unimaginable.

Where it applies

  • post-crisis recovery
  • annual reviews
  • community building

Putting it to work

  • reflect on yearly wins
  • share success stories

Questions to consider

  • What good happened unexpectedly this year?
  • How does remembering help forward?

Another view

Overemphasizing positives might overlook ongoing struggles.

More from Vaclav Havel

  1. A year ago, we all were united in the joy over having broken free of totalitarianism. Today we all are made somewhat nervous by the burden of freedom. Our soci…

    Permalink to quote #78
  2. Full freedom of speech and expression prevails in our country, and freedom of assembly and association is guaranteed.

    Permalink to quote #80
  3. 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

Related quotes

  1. It speaks to some basic human needs, that there is a tomorrow - it's not all going to be over in a big flash and a bomb, that the human race is improving, that…

    Gene RoddenberryGene Roddenberry quote #6
  2. Fellow-Citizens: We stand to-day upon an eminence which overlooks a hundred years of national life - a century crowded with perils, but crowned with the triump…

    James A. GarfieldJames A. Garfield quote #27
  3. In this dim world of clouding cares, We rarely know, till wildered eyes See white wings lessening up the skies, The angels with us unawares.

    Gerald MasseyGerald Massey quote #1