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
We in the United States believe in the protection of minorities; we recognize the contributions that they can make and the leadership that they can provide; and we do not believe that any people - whether majority or minority, or individual human beings - are 'expendable' in the cause of theory or of policy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of protecting minority rights and valuing every individual's contributions, regardless of their social status.
Robert Kennedy's quote underscores the fundamental belief in the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of whether they belong to a majority or minority group. It advocates for the necessity of recognizing the vital contributions that all people can make to society, and it firmly opposes the idea that any individual can be deemed expendable in pursuit of theoretical ideals or policy agendas. This sentiment reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity and respect for human rights.
Themes
MinoritiesProtectionLeadershipValueContributionJustice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights to emphasize the importance of 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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