Beyond the Rhetoric

“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… and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

It’s a common sentiment that is expressed by the masses. They recognize that there is a problem, an injustice, or some other situation that they would like to see changed, but they are frozen in inactivity. That’s because they say, “I’m just one person. What can I possibly do?”

That’s true. It is indeed nearly impossible for a single person to effect widespread change across a society, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. In an effort to leave some sort of lasting legacy, you want to leave the world a better place than had you never existed in the first place. To do this, you probably have to work with others.

The concept expressed by Robert F. Kennedy above was later echoed by former Vice President Al Gore. If you want to go far, you have to go with others. It’s up to you to determine what social cause is most important to you, but know that you can combine your “tiny ripple” with others create a “wave of change,” as it were.

Whether or not you agree with his political position, you likely recognize the impact that Robert Kennedy had on the nation. He inspired America and while he may have been overshadowed by another famous Kennedy for part of his political career, he was able to get something done.

Getting together with like-minded individuals is increasingly easy today, thanks to social media and the Internet. If you feel strongly about something, then do something about it.

Tags: memorable quotes, politics, social change

Filed under Personal Development.