Skip to content

Demand Quote by Robert Kennedy

“The intolerant man will not rely on persuasion, or on the worth of the idea. He would deny to others the very freedom of opinion or of dissent which he so stridently demands for himself. He cannot trust democracy.” quote by Robert Kennedy
Download Open image
“The intolerant man will not rely on persuasion, or on the worth of the idea. He would deny to others the very freedom of opinion or of dissent which he so stridently demands for himself. He cannot trust democracy.”

Robert Kennedy

About This Quote

Intolerant people reject persuasion and deny others the freedom they demand, revealing a contradiction that undermines democratic trust.

In simple terms: Intolerance erodes democratic freedom.

Key Takeaway

Hypocrisy weakens democracy.

Themes

intolerance democracy freedom hypocrisy trust

Mood

critical serious

Type

political reflective

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • civil rights movements
  • public policy

Key Concepts

persuasion opinion rights

Practical Applications

  • civic education
  • dialogue facilitation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do intolerant individuals demand freedoms they deny?
  • How can societies protect dissent?
3.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Robert Kennedy

Explore all 186 Robert Kennedy quotes

More Demand quotes

Browse all 3,718 Demand quotes