If freedom makes social progress possible, so social progress strengthens and enlarges freedom. The two are inseparable partners in the great adventure of humanity.
Robert KennedyRead
At the heart of that western freedom and democracy is the belief that the individual man...is the touchstone of value, and all society, all groups, and states, exist for that person's benefit. Therefore the enlargement of liberty for individual human beings must be the supreme goal and the abiding practice of any western society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of the individual in society and the importance of personal freedom.
Robert Kennedy's quote underscores the notion that at the core of Western values such as freedom and democracy lies the recognition of individual worth. It argues that all societal structures should serve to enhance individual liberties, highlighting that the expansion of personal freedoms should be the primary aim of any society that values human dignity and autonomy.
Themes
IndividualFreedomSocietyLibertyDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, this quote could inspire individuals to prioritize their freedoms and value.
More from Robert Kennedy
All quotes →Elections remind us not only of the rights but the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.
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Within the United States, we have put great emphasis upon political freedoms. Because it has been our experience that these freedoms can lead to others.
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It is one thing to open job opportunities. It is another to train people to fill them, or to persuade American enterprise to seek Negro as well as white applicants.
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Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.
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The Gross National Product measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile, and it can tell us everything about America - except whether we are proud to be Americans.
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