00:00Now it gives me great pleasure to invite Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, former president of Taiwan, to share
00:04her opening remarks.
00:11This afternoon, Havel's Place will be inaugurated in Da'an Park.
00:17Havel's Place is designed as a venue where people can come together, exchange ideas, and seek understanding across
00:25differences.
00:26This is closely connected to President Havel's most enduring idea, that is, living in truth.
00:33People could use personal integrity to resist authoritarianism by refusing to live by lies.
00:40He recognized that the arts can force the dialogue and give voice to aspiration for freedom and human dignity.
00:49The arts are far more than a form of cultural expression.
00:53Through his plays and essay, he demonstrated how culture can serve as a powerful defense of human dignity, freedom, and
01:01most importantly, truth.
01:03I'm proud to say that this tradition is also alive and well in Taiwan.
01:08Just last month, Taiwanese author Yang Shuanzi and translator Lin Kim won the International Booker Prize for
01:15the novel Taiwan Traveler.
01:16In her acceptance speech, Yang eloquently explained the influential role of the arts.
01:24She said,
01:24I am a believer literature cannot be kept separate from the soil in which it has grown.
01:30The century-old inquiry in Taiwan's literature is, in fact, the century-old pursuit of freedom and
01:37equality by Taiwan's people.
01:39Her words echoed President Havel's conviction that art and literature is never detached from society.
01:46Following examples set by President Havel, artists and writers like Yang Shuanzi continue to make vital contributions
01:54to democratic life.
01:55By encouraging reflection, dialogue, and empathy, they help ensure that the pursuit of truth, freedom, and human dignity remains a
02:04living part of our society.
02:06So, as we gather to reflect on President Havel's legacy, we are reminded democracy, human rights, and freedom
02:13are never guaranteed.
02:14They must be sustained by citizens who are willing to live in truth, engage in dialogue, and contribute to the
02:22cultural and civic life of their societies.
02:24Thank you!
02:26Thank you very much.
02:27Thank you very much.
02:30感谢观看
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