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
Our scientists grapple with the difficulties of placing a man on the moon, but the immediately troubling concern of our society is whether men of different races can sit together at a lunch counter.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that while scientific advances are crucial, societal issues like racial equality are of immediate importance.
In this quote, Robert Kennedy highlights the juxtaposition between the monumental achievements of technology, such as space exploration, and the pressing social issues of his time, particularly racial segregation and inequality. He suggests that while humanity strives for great scientific feats, we must not overlook the moral and ethical obligations we have toward each other as members of society, particularly in fostering understanding and unity among different races.
Themes
EqualityRacismSocietyTechnologyUnity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice to highlight the importance of addressing racial issues.
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.
Robert KennedyRead
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