In a book written while he was president of Czechoslovakia, Vaclav Havel combines the same powerful eloquence, moral passion, and abiding wisdom that informed his writing as a dissident and playwright, with a candor unprecedented from one with the broad perspective and infinite responsibility of governing a country.
Havel, now president of the Czech Republic, addresses the legacy of Communism as the euphoria of the Velvet Revolution gives way to a more problematic reality. Yet even as he grapples with the challenges of political change, he affirms his belief in a politics motivated by moral responsibility; in an economy tempered by compassion; and in the central roles of art and culture in the transformation of society. Summer Meditations is not only a timely and necessary testament of events in Eastern Europe but a profound reflection upon the nature and practice of politics and a stirring call for morality, civility, and openness in public life throughout the world.
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Government officials have a moral responsibility to serve the people, according to this forthright personal testament from Havel, the playwright who is now president of the Czech Republic. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Havel, noted playwright, imprisoned dissident, and now president of Czechoslovakia, has written a concise, personal political testament that offers useful insights into his philosophy of leadership. Originally written in the summer of 1991, this translation includes some revisions and remarks as of February 1992. While Havel downplays his role in the transforming events of 1989 ("I became an instrument of the time. . . . History forged ahead and through me, guiding my activities " ), he sets forth a clear political agenda for Czechoslovakia and stresses the need to cultivate a "higher responsibility " of public service. He proposes reforms in the electoral process and a new federal constitution to help alleviate tensions between the Czechs and Slovaks. Havel is a reluctant yet determined ruler, and this modest manifesto admirably reflects his desire to fuse practical politics with morality and good taste. This is an important complement to Havel's previous political writings, collected as Open Letters ( LJ 6/15/91). Highly recommended for most libraries. Portions of this book appeared first in the New York Review of Books .--Ed. -Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
How many politicians take the time to sit back and think about their career, the world around them, and the state of affairs in general? How many take the time to then write what they are thinking and share it with the world? Few; almost none. That is what makes Havel so special and this book so inspiring. By the time you read it many of the arguments he makes for and against certain laws or policies may be largely moot. But that isn't the point! The point of the book is to look at Havel's sense of morality and his philosophy of politics and government. Every politician should be required to read this book!
I first picked up this book before I headed off to college 8 years ago and couldn't put it down. I now pick it up every so often to read through all the pages I underlined and highlighted for brillant thoughts. It's an inspirational book. I reference it as a must read to all the students I mentor now who have interests in government.
Havel's heart is placed on each page. His masterful ability to break down complex issues with his personal moral code inspires hope and resolve in the reader. A true world leader and example in a world of fallen leaders and stained examples. The reader leaves the book a better person. And in the final analysis, isn't this what it is all about? Havel thinks so.
