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About this quote

What does it mean?
Americans must prove their ideals of freedom and equality in challenging times, which also offer opportunities.
In plain terms
We must show the world we mean what we say about freedom.
What can you take from it?
Difficult times test and reveal our values.

Where it applies

  • national crises
  • public speaking
  • civic education

Putting it to work

  • policy making
  • civic engagement
  • education

Questions to consider

  • What proves we mean it?
  • Where is the opportunity in difficulty?

Another view

It places a heavy burden on the current generation without defining specific actions.

More from Robert Kennedy

  1. 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 ot…

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  2. One-fifth of the people are against everything all the time.

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. Nations around the world look to us for the leadership not merely by strength of arms but by strength of our convictions.

    Permalink to quote #52

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