Children Quote by Robert Francis Kennedy
“Gross National Product measures neither the health of our children, the quality of their education, nor the joy of their play. It measures neither the beauty of our poetry, nor the strength of our marriages. It is indifferent to the decency of our factories and the safety of our streets alike. It measures neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our wit nor our courage, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything in short, except that which makes life worth living. It can tell us everything about our country, except those things that make us proud to be a part of it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the University of Kansas, 1968
GDP counts only economic output, ignoring health, education, culture, safety, and moral values that give life meaning.
In simple terms: GDP ignores what truly matters in life.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond numbers to assess wellbeing.
Themes
economics
values
wellbeing
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community planning
- personal decision making
- education reform
- urban safety
Key Concepts
human development
social indicators
quality of life
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑economic factors should guide national progress?
- How can we measure societal health more holistically?
A Different Perspective
Economic data can miss hidden hardships and inequities.
