Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence.
Robert F. Kennedy
Moral Courage Is
Topic: Courage, Integrity, & Purpose
Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change. Each time a person stands up for an idea, or acts to Improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, (s)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 F. Kennedy (1925-1968)
Robert F. Kennedy was a U.S. attorney general, U.S. senator from New York, and presidential candidate. He was a champion of civil rights and social justice. He was assassinated while campaigning for president in 1968.
Kennedy was born into a wealthy and powerful family, but he used his position to help others. He was a fearless advocate for the poor and the disadvantaged. He was also a strong advocate for peace and diplomacy.
After graduating from Harvard University and the University of Virginia School of Law, Kennedy served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked as a lawyer and then as a campaign manager for his brother, John F. Kennedy, who was elected president in 1960.
Kennedy's Career in Public Service
As attorney general, Kennedy fought for civil rights and social justice. He also prosecuted organized crime. He was a key figure in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Kennedy was also a strong advocate for peace and diplomacy. He played a key role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to avert a nuclear war. He also worked to improve relations with the Soviet Union.
In 1964, Kennedy resigned as attorney general to run for U.S. Senate from New York. He won the election and served in the Senate from 1965 until his assassination in 1968.
Kennedy's Legacy
In 1968, Kennedy ran for president. He was assassinated while campaigning in California. His assassination was a tragedy for the United States and the world.
Kennedy was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a man of great privilege who used his position to help others. He was a champion of the poor and the disadvantaged, and he fought for civil rights and social justice. He was also a strong advocate for peace and diplomacy. Kennedy's legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Papers of Robert F. Kennedy. Senate Papers. Speeches and Press Releases, Box 2, "'Freedom & Democracy' University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
Robert F. Kennedy
Theme: Moral Courage
About This Robert F. Kennedy Quotation [Commentary]
In Robert F. Kennedy’s words, courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, is a rare and powerful virtue. It is rarer than bravery in battle or intelligence. It is the essential quality for those who seek to change a world that resists change. This courage can be called many things: courage of conviction, courage to speak out, courage to act, courage to care. It is the courage to do what is right, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. Kennedy understood that this courage is not easy. He knew that it can lead to disapproval, judgment, opposition and even death by assassination. But he also knew that it is essential for building a better world.
Robert F. Kennedy’s life was a testament to the power of moral courage. He fought for civil rights and social justice, even when it was dangerous. He stood up to powerful interests, even when it was difficult. He dedicated his life to making the world a better place, despite the risks. Kennedy’s moral courage was also evident in his response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. On the night of King’s assassination, Kennedy gave a speech in Indianapolis in which he quoted the Greek playwright Aeschylus: “Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” Kennedy’s use of this quote underscored the profound resonance of moral courage in the face of tragedy and turmoil. His speech was a reminder of the courage required to confront the injustice and division of his era.
Kennedy’s words and actions continue to inspire people around the world. His legacy reminds us that courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, is essential for building a better world. It beckons us to reflect on the countless individuals throughout history who, through their courage, have sent forth ripples of hope that continue to shape our world for the better. Courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, is a rare and powerful virtue. Robert F. Kennedy’s life and words are a testament to the power of this courage to overcome injustice and division. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks [Commentary]
Resources
Related Quotes
Copyright © 2017 – 2024 LuminaryQuotes.com About Us