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
GNP measures neither our courage, our wisdom neither our compassion. It measures everything except what makes life worthwhile
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques GNP as a measurement of a nation's success, arguing that it ignores essential human qualities.
Robert Kennedy's quote emphasizes that gross national product (GNP) is an inadequate metric for measuring the true value of a society. He suggests that while GNP reflects economic activity, it fails to account for the essential human attributes such as courage, wisdom, and compassion that make life meaningful and worthwhile. This perspective challenges conventional economic indicators, urging us to consider broader, more humane measures of progress.
Themes
GnpMeasurementHuman ValuesSocietyProgress
In practice
Example use cases
During a keynote speech on economic policies, reference this quote to advocate for a holistic view of society.
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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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