Economic growth without social progress lets the great majority of the people remain in poverty, while a privileged few reap the benefits of rising abundance.
Interpretation
Economic growth must be accompanied by social progress to benefit all, not just a privileged few.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy emphasizes that mere economic growth is insufficient if it does not lead to social improvement. It criticizes a system where wealth increases but the majority of the population remains impoverished while a small elite enjoys the benefits, highlighting the need for inclusive progress that addresses inequality and uplifts everyone in society.
In practice
This quote could be used in a political speech advocating for social reforms.
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.
There are only three ways by which any individual can get wealth β by work, by gift or by theft. And, clearly, the reason why the workers get so little is that the beggars and thieves get so much.
When the accumulation of wealth is no longer of high social importance, there will be great changes in the code of morals.
With the exception of the instinct of self-preservation, the propensity for emulation is probably the strongest and most alert and persistent of the economic motives proper.
Protectionism will do little to create jobs and if foreigners retaliate, we will surely lose jobs.
Economics has been incurably growth-oriented and addicted to everybody growing richer, even at the cost of exhaustion of resources and pollution of the environment.
I truly believe that capitalism was created to help people live better lives, but sadly over the years it has lost its way a bit. The short-term focus on profit has driven most businesses to forget about the important long-term role they have in taking care of people and the planet.
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