Abstract
This paper explores the explicit self-deprecation in Vaclav Havel’s writings in order to outline a unique contribution to thinking about resistance contained in Havel’s oeuvre. What Havel offers is a timely critique of messianic political gestures. I will focus on how Havel’s self-deprecation offers a subtle but significant critique of western politics which also contains the kernal of a virtue ethics of sorts, instead of a blueprint for radical action. I will also explain the important and related critique of messianic politics entailed in Havel’s thought and outline the significance of this critique for the current political climate.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 54-70 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Critical Horizons |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 17 Jan 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |