The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that human rights are inherent and divinely granted, rather than simply provided by governmental authority.
John F. Kennedy's quote reflects a fundamental belief in the idea that human rights are not privileges granted by the government but are innate, bestowed upon individuals by a higher power. This suggests that the recognition and protection of these rights should be seen as a moral duty of the state, rather than an act of goodwill, asserting the concept that dignity and freedom are universal and should be upheld regardless of governmental influence.
In practice
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might reference this quote to highlight the foundation of human dignity.
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.
The poet Melvin B. Tolson once said "A civilization is judged only in its decline." That made sense to me. I would imagine the same is true for poets and tennis players.
Crawling at your feet,' said the Gnat (Alice drew her feet back in some alarm), `you may observe a Bread-and-Butterfly. Its wings are thin slices of Bread-and-butter, its body is a crust, and its head is a lump of sugar.' And what does IT live on?' Weak tea with cream in it.' A new difficulty came into Alice's head. `Supposing it couldn't find any?' she suggested. Then it would die, of course.' But that must happen very often,' Alice remarked thoughtfully. It always happens,' said the Gnat.
The aim of torture is to destroy a person as a human being, to destroy their identity and soul. It is more evil than murder.
Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws. But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
To live alone is the fate of all great souls.
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