You knew that what is given or granted can be taken away, that what is begged can be refused; but that what is earned is kept. (12-10-1966)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Things given or begged can be lost, but what you earn through effort is secure.
- In plain terms
- You can lose what you are given, but you keep what you earn.
- What can you take from it?
- Earned value provides lasting security compared to unearned gifts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What have you earned that you value most?
- Is all unearned wealth unstable?
Another view
Systemic barriers can prevent some from earning what they deserve.
More from Robert Kennedy
Whenever men take the law into their own hands, the loser is the law. And when the law loses, freedom languishes.
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