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
We know that we cannot live together without rules which tell us what is right and what is wrong, what is permitted and what is prohibited. We know that it is law which enables men to live together, that creates order out of chaos. We know that law is the glue that holds civilization together.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of law in maintaining order and morality in society.
Robert Kennedy's quote highlights the critical role that laws play in establishing a framework for coexistence among individuals. Without laws to define right and wrong, and to delineate what is acceptable behavior, society would descend into chaos. Laws serve as the foundation of civilization, providing structure and ensuring that people can live harmoniously together, thereby acting as the 'glue' that binds communities.
Themes
LawCivilizationOrderRulesMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on social order, one might reference this quote to underline the necessity of law in society.
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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