Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
by Michael S. Milano
“In a surveilled society where property rights are undermined and truth is distorted, freedom demands building alternatives beyond the regime’s reach. Within the Soviet bloc, Václav Benda advocated for the creation of an invisible society as a form of resistance. To combat the atomization of the citizenry, he called for the construction of parallel structures. … Through the Charter 77 movement, Benda’s vision came to life. Together with Václav Havel, fellow dissident and future president of Czechoslovakia, he emphasized the power of ‘living in truth’ — the simple yet radical act of refusing to participate in the regime’s lies.” (10/20/25)