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Every man Quote by John D. Rockefeller

“I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty. I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that…” quote by John D. Rockefeller
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““I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty. I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master. I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs. I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond, that character—not wealth or power or position—is of supreme worth. I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual's highest fulfillment, greatest happiness and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.””

John D. Rockefeller

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Address, 1915

The individual’s rights to life, liberty, and happiness come with responsibilities; labor, thrift, truth, and service are essential for a just society.

In simple terms: Rights require duties; work, honesty, and service matter.

Key Takeaway

Uphold personal responsibility and community service.

Themes

ethics political philosophy economics

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • civic education
  • policy making
  • personal development

Key Concepts

individual rights social contract labor dignity financial prudence moral duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we ensure rights are exercised responsibly?
  • What policies promote both liberty and duty?
A Different Perspective

Balancing rights with obligations can be complex.

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