If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
Interpretation
A society's health is reflected in how it cares for its most vulnerable members.
This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility of a society to support its less fortunate individuals. John F. Kennedy suggests that the prosperity of the wealthy is inseparable from the well-being of the poor; if the society fails to support its disadvantaged population, it ultimately jeopardizes the stability and survival of all, including the affluent.
In practice
During a speech on social responsibility, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of addressing poverty.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.
To hear of a thousand deaths in war is terrible, and we 'know' that it is. But as it registers on our hearts, it is not more terrible than one death fully imagined.
The only freedom is the freedom from the known.
The bible teaches that women brought sin and death into the world. I don't believe that any man ever talked with god. The bible was written by man out of his love of domination.
Five minutes are enough to dream a whole life, that is how relative time is.
INDIFFERENT, adj. Imperfectly sensible to distinctions among things.
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