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
President Kennedy's election was such an enlargement. It expanded religious freedom to include the highest office in the land. President Kennedy's administration was such an enlargement. It advanced the day when the bars of intolerance against all minority groups will be lifted, not only for the presidency, but for all aspects of our national life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the progress made in achieving religious freedom and equality for minorities due to President Kennedy's election.
Robert Kennedy's quote reflects on the significance of President Kennedy's election in broadening the scope of religious freedom and tolerance in America. It highlights how Kennedy's leadership not only uplifted minority groups in the presidential office but also served as a catalyst for dismantling intolerance across all segments of national life, promising a future of inclusivity and acceptance.
Themes
FreedomEqualityIntoleranceMinorityLeadershipChange
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of leadership in promoting inclusivity.
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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