Much of our American progress has been the product of the individual who had an idea; pursued it; fashioned it; tenaciously clung to it against all odds; and then produced it, sold it, and profited from it.
It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that a government's true moral character is reflected in its treatment of the most vulnerable people in society.
Hubert H. Humphrey's quote highlights the ethical responsibility of government to care for its most vulnerable citizens: the children, the elderly, and the sick or disabled. This statement asserts that the government's moral integrity can be assessed based on how well it protects and supports these groups, who often rely on societal structures for assistance and care. By focusing on the well-being of those in the 'dawn', 'twilight', and 'shadows' of life, the quote calls for compassion and justice in governance.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, a speaker could use this quote to argue for improved health care for the elderly.
More from Hubert H. Humphrey
All quotes βWe need an America with the wisdom of experience. But we must not let America grow old in spirit.
You cannot go around and keep score. If you keep score on the good things and the bad things, you'll find out that you're a very miserable person. God gave man the ability to forget, which is one of the greatest attributes you have. Because if you remember everything that's happened to you, you generally remember that which is the most unfortunate.
Here we are the way politics ought to be in America; the politics of happiness, the politics of purpose and the politics of joy.
The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a mater-architect; in execution, the labors of many.
The President is the peoples lobbyist.
Similar quotes
I can tell you that solitude Is not all exaltation, inner space Where the soul breathes and work can be done. Solitude exposes the nerve, Raises up ghosts. The past, never at rest, flows through it.
I have very carefully studied Islam and the life of its Prophet (PBUH). I have done so both as a student of history and as a critic. And I have come to conclusion that Muhammad (PBUH) was indeed a great man and a deliverer and benefactor of mankind which was till then writhing under the most agonising Pain.
It is the nature of all greatness not to be exact.
Be quiet now and wait. It may be that the ocean one, the one we desire so to move into and become, desires us out here on land a little longer, going our sundry roads to the shore.
It is not given to human beings, happily for them, for otherwise life would be intolerable, to foresee or to predict to any large extent the unfolding course of events.
If there is hope, it lies in the proles.