Vaclav Havel Quotes

Men in their private capacities may be allowed to prefer their single profit, but should consult only the general good in public councils.

People tend to cherish and take care of the things they pay for and therefore own, countries included. The opposite is also true. When was the last time you changed the oil in a rental car?

Activism isn't something you just kind of get involved in and then turn your back on it.

I feel like I have had the most amazing life in my public service.

Private property is a creature of society, and is subject to the calls of that society, wherever its necessities shall require it…

Liberty was realized when the citizens were ... willing to sacrifice their private interests for the sake of the community

Private interests must be made subservient to the general interests of the community

The supreme inspiration is the common weal.

Those of us who get a chance, and many of us will, should and will be motivated to serve America well.

I want Americans to realize that we are the owners of this country, and that one person can make a difference.

Most Americans are very responsible.

We need leaders who appeal to us to think about something other than narrow self-interest but instead focus upon the greater good.

We have to be guided by the interest of society and the development of the state.

I'm bothered when people don't understand that they have an obligation to use their best measure of devotion, of resources, to sacrifice for the common good.

Everyone has to have a sense of duty. A duty to society, to their family. I mean, you name it.

I've been impressed with Rick Guzman and his commitment to the residents of Aurora since I first met him many years ago.

I believe very, very strongly that when you serve, you serve the entire state.

A community belongs to those who take ownership of it.

If you sit back and simply allow your country to be, it is highly unlikely to be the kind of country you want. You have to be active.

Duty is that mode of action which constitutes the best application of the capacity of the individual to the general advantage.

I have always been very open about my respect for public service.

I am drawn to public service.

There is nothing that says you can't be active and love your community and fight for your community and still do your job.

You can complain about problems, and you can suffer from the ramifications of issues that are social in nature and impact you, but the best thing you can do is get off your couch, get out of your home and go do something about it.

For me, any chance to serve Singapore even in its limited capacity... I would be glad to take it up and use it to serve Singaporeans.