"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."
This quote emphasizes that while not everyone may hold the power to shape global events significantly, every individual has the ability to make a positive impact on their immediate surroundings. By collectively making small, thoughtful actions, each person can contribute to shaping history in their unique way. The "history of this generation" will be a reflection of the sum of these individual acts, hence encouraging everyone to take responsibility for their role in the collective narrative.
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."
This quote by Robert Kennedy emphasizes that significant achievements often require taking risks, which may result in failure along the way. It suggests that one should not shy away from ambitious endeavors, even if they involve a higher risk of failure, because it is only through such ventures that one can truly accomplish great things. In other words, to achieve greatness, we must be prepared to confront and learn from our failures on the journey towards success.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
This quote by Robert Kennedy underscores the idea that there's no perfect moment or circumstance where we can justify delaying action on what we know is just or right. It encourages people to take a stand for moral principles, even when circumstances may seem unfavorable. The implication is that it's essential to prioritize ethical decision-making and action regardless of the prevailing conditions or timings, as doing what's right is universally important and beneficial in the long run.
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
This quote by Robert Kennedy suggests that every individual who stands up for an ideal or strives to improve society sends out a small wave of hope. These waves multiply when they combine from various sources of energy and courage, creating a powerful current that can overcome even the strongest barriers of oppression and resistance. In essence, it emphasizes the power of collective action and individual efforts in creating positive change.
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."
This quote by Robert Kennedy emphasizes selflessness and a sense of duty towards one's nation. Instead of focusing on personal gain or what the country can provide, Kennedy encourages Americans to think about how they can contribute to their country. It is a call for civic responsibility and a reminder that true fulfillment often comes from serving others and one's community.
The glory of justice and the majesty of law are created not just by the Constitution - nor by the courts - nor by the officers of the law - nor by the lawyers - but by the men and women who constitute our society - who are the protectors of the law as they are themselves protected by the law.
- Robert Kennedy
Unions, by and large, are democratic organizations with freely chosen leaders and policies determined by the membership. They concern themselves with individual dignity not only in their aims but in their method. We have no better example of what is worthy of emulation abroad than the workings of a good union.
- Robert Kennedy
Automation provides us with wondrous increases of production and information, but does it tell us what to do with the men the machines displace? Modern industry gives us the capacity for unparalleled wealth - but where is our capacity to make that wealth meaningful to the poor of every nation?
- Robert Kennedy
Lawyers have their duties as citizens, but they also have special duties as lawyers. Their obligations go far deeper than earning a living as specialists in corporation or tax law. They have a continuing responsibility to uphold the fundamental principles of justice from which the law cannot depart.
- Robert Kennedy
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
- Robert Kennedy
What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created? No martyr's cause has ever been stilled by an assassin's bullet. No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled or uncontrollable mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people.
- Robert Kennedy
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