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, “moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence.” He acknowledged that few are willing to face “the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society,” yet he believed this courage to be the “one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change.” Kennedy recognized that standing up for an idea, improving the lives of others, or opposing injustice requires not only conviction but also the willingness to endure resistance and criticism. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that each act of courage, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement toward change.
Kennedy’s belief in the power of moral courage was reflected in his own actions. He stood against injustice, advocated for civil rights, and sought to uplift marginalized communities, even when these efforts invited opposition. His response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. illustrated his understanding of the profound struggles faced by those who challenge the status quo. In quoting Aeschylus, he acknowledged that pain and hardship accompany the pursuit of justice, yet he remained committed to the belief that perseverance and courage could foster meaningful progress. Kennedy’s actions demonstrated his conviction that every effort to create positive change, however modest, sends forth “a tiny ripple of hope” that can inspire others and accumulate into a powerful force.
Kennedy’s words continue to resonate, reminding us that moral courage is essential for creating a more just and compassionate world. He believed that when individuals take a stand, they contribute to a collective force capable of dismantling “the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” His legacy encourages people to act with integrity and determination, understanding that even the smallest acts of courage can intersect and build momentum toward lasting change.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks [Commentary]
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