14 Oct 2011 Vaclav Havel: Language and Peace There has never been a time when a sense of the

importance of words was not present in human consciousness (A Word About Words.) This statement by former President Vaclav Havel, made in his 1989 acceptance speech for the Peace Prize of the German Booksellers Association, is crucial in understanding the elements of Havels democratic and literary successes; while also addressing the power human beings have in their ability to exercise the miracle of human speech. (A Word About Words.) As a politician, activist, playwright, poet, essayist, etc, Havel, himself, used language as a noble tool in preserving his own human dignity, as well as in his accomplishments towards human rights and world peace. Havels credibility can be measured not only in his revolutionary influence in the democratization of Czechoslovakia, but also by his contributions to the global human rights movement as well as in his diverse literary works. In his essay, The Power of the Powerless, Havel illustrates the ambiguity of words and the effects that occur when our words have multiple meanings. He gives an example of a green grocer, who has on display in his store window, the slogan, Workers of the world, Unite! For five small words, this phrase actually speaks measures when its implications are considered. Havels argument on the ambiguity of language begins here; to the totalitarian state, this slogan is symbolic of the arrogant state of control it exercises over the individual. However, in the perspective of the grocer, these words mean: I behave in the manner expected of

me. I can be depended upon and am beyond reproach. I am obedient and therefore I have the right to be left in peace. The slogan also implies another reality; which is the grocers fear of prosecution if he protests the display of the slogan. Havels use of this example shows a mundane aspect of life in a society, yet the message and the symbolism of the slogan to each party involved is clear. Havel takes his argument one step further and depicts the scenario if the grocer decided to use his voice to object the slogan. The grocer would be remaining loyal to his conscience, but would face retributions by the state. However, the value in this option would be that he gives his freedom a concrete significance. His revolt is an attempt to live within the truth. Another, more significant effect of his revolt is that it illegitimates the institution by exposing it for its true arrogance. Drawing from his personal experience, Havel spoke of a time when his German colleagues would not associate with him because he was considered an enemy of his government. Havel said, even in those days, it was I who pitied them, since it was not I but they who were voluntarily renouncing their freedom. This quote represents the core of Havels argument, and the measure of his moral integrity as a whole. Havel would rather sacrifice material liberties than the ideologies that define his character. Even though his words were in disobedience with the state, he never lost his own freedom of thought because he chose not to betray his conscience regardless of the repercussions he faced. Throughout his resistance to the Communist government Havel was sentenced to prison several times. Even in those years of imprisonment, he was

remained free in his thoughts. He continued to use words for self-expression by writing to his wife in Letters to Olga. Similarly to the hypothetical green grocer scenario, Havel proved that the true overcoming force is the one that remains in truth, even if it has to make a sacrifice to remain earnest. Havel Another personal example of Havels literature holding a prominent role in his ideologies is in the ban of his plays from Czech theater in 1968, after the Prague Spring ended. Often based on absurd themes, his plays were being performed in New York City during the time of their ban in Czechoslovakia. Once again, Havels words prevailed. Although the plays did not get performed in his country, his words were alive somewhere else, so he was still communicating effectively to an audience. In his speeches, Havel used language to articulate the lessons we can learn from our histories. In 1989, upon receiving the Peace Prize of the German Booksellers Association, Havel gave an acceptance speech entitled A Word About Words, in which he boldly defines words as the very source of our being. He compels the argument that as language is the framework for our civilization, we must be aware of the implications of our word choices, especially considering the ambiguous nature of language. Havel pays particular attention to the ways in which words and peace are correlated. The meaning of our language is so complex that in order to create peace we have to be responsible and humble when choosing our words. , We have tried incessantly to address that which is concealed by mystery, and

influence it with our words. This statement rings true one of the basic principles of human nature: our ability to use reason and logic to find answers. However, Havel makes

a crucial point in this speech by pointing out that, although humans are incredibly capable of cognitive thinking, there are some phenomena belonging to the Laws of Nature which are outside of our realms of understanding. When our human intelligence is too limiting to give us all of the answers we want, we create theories in attempts at reaching an understanding of the unknown. This is the point in which the words we choose to use have the power to change history. Another aspect of Havels democratic success through the use of language is his belief that dialogue is central to the development of peace. His founding of the Forum 2000 conference is indicative of his earnest dedication to the dialectic method for promoting democratization and tolerance in the world. I have said again and again how it would be good if intelligent people, not only from the various ends of the earth, different continents, different cultures, from civilization's religious circles, but also from different disciplines of Human knowledge could come together somewhere in calm discussion. At the Forum 2000 conference of 2011, discussions of democracy brought together delegates from around the globe in a peaceful recognition of mutual respect and appreciation. Not only was the importance of word choice obvious in the panel discussions between leaders coming from differing cultures, it was also important because of the obvious language barrier issue. Translators were crucial players in the forum discussion, and once again it became clear just how much we rely on language to keep the peace in our society. In a Forum 2000 debate regarding freedom of speech and dialectics in religion, Egyptian journalist and delegate Shahira Amin spoke of an Egyptian law student in

Alexandria who was explicitly arrested and sentenced to three years in prison for writing anti-religious posts on an internet blog in 2007. The issue could not be more relevant to Havels original motivation for the Forum 2000 foundation, and remains present proof that Havels writings and discussion topics are crucial to understand. Our words do impact history, and the words outlining governmental policies may not always align with the words we feel are true in our hearts. The urgency of President Havels insight, responsibility for and toward words is a task which is intrinsically ethical, is crucial to recognize. Whether in politics, literature, or the slogans on our windows that bore of mundane essence, words and literature, as created by mankind, are the ultimate tools and weapons at our discretion. It is through words which we create the fundamental laws and institutions of our society, through words we have come to understand our religions, and most importantly, it is through words which human beings are capable of causing turmoil as well as triumph.