Much of our American progress has been the product of the individual who had an idea; pursued it; fashioned it; tenaciously clung to it against all odds; and then produced it, sold it, and profited from it.
Hubert H. HumphreyRead
It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that a government's true moral character is reflected in its treatment of the most vulnerable people in society.
Hubert H. Humphrey's quote highlights the ethical responsibility of government to care for its most vulnerable citizens: the children, the elderly, and the sick or disabled. This statement asserts that the government's moral integrity can be assessed based on how well it protects and supports these groups, who often rely on societal structures for assistance and care. By focusing on the well-being of those in the 'dawn', 'twilight', and 'shadows' of life, the quote calls for compassion and justice in governance.
Themes
GovernmentMoralityVulnerableChildrenElderlySickJusticeCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, a speaker could use this quote to argue for improved health care for the elderly.
More from Hubert H. Humphrey
All quotes →We need an America with the wisdom of experience. But we must not let America grow old in spirit.
Hubert H. HumphreyRead
You cannot go around and keep score. If you keep score on the good things and the bad things, you'll find out that you're a very miserable person. God gave man the ability to forget, which is one of the greatest attributes you have. Because if you remember everything that's happened to you, you generally remember that which is the most unfortunate.
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Here we are the way politics ought to be in America; the politics of happiness, the politics of purpose and the politics of joy.
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The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a mater-architect; in execution, the labors of many.
Hubert H. HumphreyRead
The President is the peoples lobbyist.
Hubert H. HumphreyRead
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