L12 - Documents - Velvet Revolutions Flashcards
Who was Vaclav Havel, and what role did he play in Czechoslovakian politics?
Vaclav Havel was a playwright who became a major force in the dissident movement after 1968, later serving as the first president of the post-communist Czech government until 2003.
What is “The Power of the Powerless” by Vaclav Havel about?
The essay explores the ethical choices in politics and how individuals living within a totalitarian system can resist by choosing to live within the truth rather than the lie imposed by the system.
According to Havel, why does living within the lie sustain totalitarian systems?
The system depends on universal compliance and demoralization, making living within the truth a profound act of rebellion that threatens the entire structure.
In Havel’s example, why does the greengrocer display the slogan “Workers of the world, unite!” in his shop window?
The greengrocer displays the slogan out of habit, social pressure, and fear of repercussions for refusing, not because of genuine belief in the slogan.
What happens when the greengrocer stops participating in the system’s rituals?
He faces sanctions such as demotion, reduced pay, and social ostracism, as the system punishes him for disrupting the façade of compliance and exposing the lie.
How does living within the truth challenge the totalitarian system, according to Havel?
It exposes the system’s foundation as a lie, shattering its façade and showing others that resistance and moral responsibility are possible.
What is the moral dimension of living within the truth, as explained by Havel?
It involves regaining responsibility for oneself and society, not for personal gain but as an ethical act that might lead to a better future.
What does Havel suggest is necessary for creating a better economic and political model?.
A profound existential and moral change in society is necessary; better systems emerge only from creating better lives, not the other way around
What does Havel argue about the relationship between a better life and a better system?
A better system does not guarantee a better life; instead, better lives must lead to the creation of better systems.
What societal issues does Solzhenitsyn highlight as results of Soviet policies?
Backbreaking labor for women, neglected children, lack of proper healthcare and medicines, dire housing shortages, and poverty among the elderly and handicapped.
What environmental consequences does Solzhenitsyn mention in his critique of Soviet policies?
Poisoned rivers, lakes, and fish; obliteration of clean water, air, and soil; nuclear contamination; and deforestation.
What does Solzhenitsyn claim “time has run out for” in his excerpt from Rebuilding Russia?
Time has run out for communism.
According to Solzhenitsyn, what should people take care to avoid when communism’s edifice crumbles?
People should avoid being crushed beneath the rubble instead of gaining liberty.
What does Solzhenitsyn describe as having “covered up” the troubles caused by Soviet communism?
Mendacious statistics.
What major losses does Solzhenitsyn attribute to 70 years of Soviet rule?
A full third of the population lost, destruction of the peasant class, environmental devastation, loss of natural wealth, and societal demoralization.
