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People are selfish, but they can also be compassionate and generous, and they care about the country. But not when they feel threatened. That's why this is such a crucial time. We can go in either direction. But if we don't make a choice soon, it will be too late to turn things around. I think people are willing to make the right choice. But they need leadership. They're hungry for leadership.

Robert Kennedy#60

SocietyLeadershipCompassionFearChoice

About this quote

What does it mean?
People can be compassionate but fear drives selfishness; leadership is needed now to choose the right path.
In plain terms
Fear makes people selfish, but they want good leadership to make the right choice.
What can you take from it?
Leadership is needed to overcome fear-driven selfishness.

Where it applies

  • political mobilization
  • crisis moments
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • seek decisive leaders
  • reduce public fear

Questions to consider

  • What choice defines this moment?
  • How do you recognize true leadership?

Another view

Leadership alone may not suffice if systemic issues remain.

More from Robert Kennedy

  1. Parties are instruments of government....The business of parties is not just win elections. It is to govern. And a party cannot govern if it is disunited. (Kin…

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  2. People say I am ruthless. I am not ruthless. And if I find the man who is calling me ruthless, I shall destroy him.

    Permalink to quote #61
  3. Our gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the bea…

    Permalink to quote #58

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