In the last thirty years, I have been tremendously influenced by three great individuals. My heroes are: Hayek, Mandela and Havel.
Hayek taught me through his books the philosophy, politics and economics underpinnings of the crystallization of civilization and the rule of law through two thousand years of world history.
Mandela and Havel taught me through their leaderships in South Africa and the Czech Republic the meanings of magnanimity and generosity of heart; almost Christ like creatures who enabled their respective nations to transition from dictatorship to liberal democracy without any hiccup.
Havel was free from vendetta and enmity that “… he refused to outlaw the Communist Party or to put on trial the system that had allowed neighbors to send one another to labor camps.” I am still optimistic that the Eritrean opposition learns from such gentle and thoughtful leadership qualities that unify and not unnecessarily split the people. The quality of leadership is tested by how it treats its “enemies.”
A notable quote of Havel follows: "A state that denies its citizens their basic rights becomes a danger to its neighbors as well: internal arbitrary rule will be reflected in arbitrary external relations. The suppression of public opinion, the abolition of public competition for power and its public exercise opens the way for the state power to arm itself in any way it sees fit. ... A state that does not hesitate to lie to its own people will not hesitate to lie to other states."
A notable quote of Havel follows: "A state that denies its citizens their basic rights becomes a danger to its neighbors as well: internal arbitrary rule will be reflected in arbitrary external relations. The suppression of public opinion, the abolition of public competition for power and its public exercise opens the way for the state power to arm itself in any way it sees fit. ... A state that does not hesitate to lie to its own people will not hesitate to lie to other states."
Havel rest in peace.
