Robert Francis Kennedy, born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts, was a transformative American leader and advocate for social justice. As Attorney General under his brother President John F. Kennedy and later a U.S. Senator, he championed civil rights, poverty alleviation, and anti-corruption efforts. His career highlights include key roles in landmark legislation and his 1968 presidential campaign, cut short by his assassination. Kennedy’s words continue to inspire, reflecting his commitment to human dignity and progress. The quotes here are sourced from his speeches, interviews, and writings, capturing his thoughts on life. This list presents 15 insightful quotes about life, allowing his voice to resonate directly.
15 Robert Kennedy Quotes
1. “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” (Speech, Day of Affirmation Address, University of Cape Town, 1966)
2. “The future is not a gift. It is an achievement. Every generation helps make its own future.” (Speech, Campaign Rally, 1968)
3. “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” (Speech, n.d., commonly attributed)
4. “Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.” (Speech, Eulogy for Martin Luther King Jr., 1968)
5. “The problem is not the lack of solutions, but the lack of will to apply them.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1967)
6. “I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?'” (Speech, Presidential Campaign, 1968)
7. “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” (Speech, Day of Affirmation Address, University of Cape Town, 1966)
8. “The gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play.” (Speech, University of Kansas, 1968)
9. “Life is unfair. But that doesn’t mean we should give up. It means we should fight harder.” (Interview, Look Magazine, 1968)
10. “In the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.” (Speech, United Nations, 1961)
11. “Courage is the virtue that counts when all others fail.” (Book, “To Seek a Newer World,” 1967)
12. “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” (Speech, n.d., proverbial reference)
13. “We can master change not merely by adapting to it, but by learning to initiate it and become the creators of our own destiny.” (Speech, Law Day Address, 1968)
14. “Let us not pray for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks.” (Speech, n.d., often cited)
15. “Progress is a nice word, but change is its motivator, and change has its enemies.” (Interview, The Saturday Evening Post, 1967)
These quotes reveal Robert Kennedy’s deep wisdom on life’s essence, emphasizing moral courage, social responsibility, and the pursuit of justice. They showcase his belief in individual agency and the potential for positive change, even amid adversity. Reflecting on his words encourages us to live with purpose and empathy. What do these insights mean to you? Share your reflections in the comments below.