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Action Quote by Lyndon B. Johnson

“You do not take a man who for years has been hobbled by chains, liberate him, bring him to the starting line of a race, saying you are free to compete with all the others, and still justly believe you have been completely fair...We seek not just freedom but opportunity...not just equality as a…” quote by Lyndon B. Johnson
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“You do not take a man who for years has been hobbled by chains, liberate him, bring him to the starting line of a race, saying you are free to compete with all the others, and still justly believe you have been completely fair...We seek not just freedom but opportunity...not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result.”

Lyndon B. Johnson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks on Civil Rights, Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965

True fairness requires not only removing barriers but also providing equal chances to succeed; freedom without opportunity is incomplete.

In simple terms: Freedom must be paired with equal chances.

Key Takeaway

Ensure both liberty and opportunity.

Themes

justice equality freedom opportunity fairness

Mood

hopeful determined critical

Type

political inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • employment programs
  • housing initiatives
  • voting rights
  • affirmative action

Key Concepts

civil rights social equity structural barriers

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance liberty with equitable opportunity?
  • What policies best turn equality into reality?
A Different Perspective

Providing opportunity may be limited by resources or resistance.

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