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Nations, like men, often march to the beat of different drummers, and the precise solutions of the United States can neither be dictated nor transplanted to others. What is important is that all nations must march toward a increasing freedom; toward justice for all; toward a society strong and flexible enough to meet the demands of all of its own people, and a world of immense and dizzying change.

Robert F. Kennedy#53

FreedomJusticeDiversityGlobalNationsSovereignty

About this quote

What does it mean?
Nations must find their own paths to freedom while aiming for universal justice.
In plain terms
Each country needs its own solutions but should aim for freedom and justice.
What can you take from it?
Adapt solutions to local needs while aiming for global freedom.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • development policy
  • global cooperation

Putting it to work

  • respect local culture
  • share best practices
  • avoid imposition

Questions to consider

  • How should nations share solutions?
  • What is a universal value?

Another view

Universal standards may conflict with local traditions or contexts.

More from Robert F. Kennedy

  1. Nations around the world look to us for the leadership not merely by strength of arms but by strength of our convictions.

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  2. On this generation of Americans falls the burden of proving to the world that we really mean it when we say all men are created free and are equal before the l…

    Permalink to quote #54
  3. My views on birth control are somewhat distorted by the fact that I was seventh of nine children.

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