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At the heart of that Western freedom and democracy is the belief that the individual man, the child of God, is the touchstone of value, and all society, all groups, and states, exist for his benefit. Therefore the enlargement of liberty for individual human beings must be the supreme goal and the abiding practice of any Western society.

Robert F. Kennedy#5

SocietyFreedomRightsDemocracyIndividualValue

About this quote

What does it mean?
Western freedom values the individual above all; liberty for people must be the highest goal.
In plain terms
Western society exists for individuals, so protecting their liberty is the top goal.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize individual liberty as the supreme goal of society.

Where it applies

  • political philosophy
  • civic discourse
  • rights advocacy

Putting it to work

  • defend civil liberties
  • protect individual rights
  • evaluate social goals

Questions to consider

  • What is the highest goal of your society?
  • How do you balance individual and group needs?

Another view

Individual liberty can sometimes conflict with collective welfare.

More from Robert F. Kennedy

  1. A revolution is coming - a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough - Bu…

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  2. Our answer is the world's hope; it is to rely on youth. The cruelties and the obstacles of this swiftly changing planet will not yield to obsolete dogmas and o…

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  3. Now I can go back to being ruthless again.

    Permalink to quote #3

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