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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the limitations of GDP as a measure of a nation's true worth.
Robert Kennedy argues that while the Gross National Product (GNP) provides quantifiable data about a country's economic performance, it fails to capture the essential human values and qualities that contribute to a fulfilling life, such as courage, compassion, and pride in one's nation. Kennedy emphasizes that these intangible qualities are what truly matter in society, as they define the richness of human experience beyond mere economic metrics.
Themes
GdpValueHuman DignityEconomicsPrideQuality Of Life
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on economic reforms, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for holistic measures of national well-being.
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.
Robert KennedyRead
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.
Robert KennedyRead
The United States was born in revolution and nurtured by struggle. Throughout our history, the American people have befriended and supported all those who seek independence and a better way of life.
Robert KennedyRead
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