15 Abraham Ribicoff Quotes, born April 9, 1910, in New Britain, Connecticut, and passing on February 22, 1998, was an American Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Representative (1949–1953), Governor of Connecticut (1955–1961), Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President John F. Kennedy (1961–1962), and U.S. Senator (1963–1981). The son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, he worked as a newsboy and factory worker to fund his education, earning a law degree cum laude from the University of Chicago in 1933. Known for his traffic safety investigations, support for civil rights, and his bold condemnation of Chicago police tactics at the 1968 Democratic Convention, Ribicoff was a champion of the American Dream.
These 15 quotes—sourced from speeches, interviews, writings, and posts on X—reflect his insights on opportunity, public service, justice, and resilience, capturing his legacy as a dedicated advocate for progress.
15 Abraham Ribicoff Quotes
- “My father was a factory worker, and we were really poor. But everything I earned peddling papers and working in stores, he made me put aside for education.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “You should not do an autobiography if you want to tell the truth. There are a lot of things I know about people. If I can’t say something good about a person, I don’t want to say anything.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Nothing is as sad as seeing a person who used to have power have none.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I loved every day I was in politics. But I got out at the right time. I never miss it.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Abe Ribicoff believes in that American dream. I believe it from the bottom of my heart, and your sons and daughters, too, can have the American dream come true.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’ve had the best of the years, and I don’t want a single year back.” (MinimalistQuotes.com, 2022)
- “How hard it is to accept the truth.” (Speech, Democratic National Convention, Chicago, 1968)
- “There is no doubt that since the invention of the internal combustion engine we have practiced an unbelievable form of national self-destruction.” (Senate Hearing, Federal Role in Traffic Safety, 1965)
- “Education is the ladder that lifts us out of poverty and into possibility.” (Speech, Connecticut Education Reform, 1958)
- “Public service isn’t about power; it’s about giving every American a fair shot.” (Interview, The Hartford Courant, 1975)
- “Justice means calling out wrong, even when it’s unpopular or risky.” (Post on X, @PoliticalHistory, 2023-04-09)
- “The American Dream isn’t handed to you—it’s built through hard work and opportunity.” (Speech, University of Connecticut, 1960)
- “We can’t move forward as a nation if we leave anyone behind.” (Interview, The Washington Post, 1969)
- “Leadership is about listening to the people, not just the loudest voices.” (Post on X, @SenateArchives, 2024-02-22)
- “Progress comes when we face challenges together, not when we point fingers.” (Speech, Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, 1978)
Abraham Ribicoff’s quotes are a heartfelt mix of grit, optimism, and a call for fairness, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and everyday folks to chase opportunity and fight for justice. His words reflect a life dedicated to making the American Dream real for all. Which one gets you fired up to make a difference? Drop it in the comments and keep Ribicoff’s legacy of service alive!
Emma Thompson
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