Having encountered many setbacks, Havel lived with a spirit of hope, which he defined as the ability to work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed. His peaceful resistance shook the foundations of an empire, exposed the emptiness of a repressive ideology, and proved that moral leadership is more powerful than any weapon. He played a seminal role in the Velvet Revolution that won his people their freedom and inspired generations to reach for self-determination and dignity in all parts of the world.

Statement of President Obama on the death of Vaclav Havel (18 December 2011)

Statement of President Obama on the death of Vaclav Havel | whitehouse.gov[obamawhitehouse.archives.gov]