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Equality Quote by Theodore Roosevelt

“Practical equality of opportunity for all citizens, when we achieve it, will have two great results. First, every man will have a fair chance to make of himself all that in him lies; to reach the highest point to which his capacities, unassisted by special privilege of his own and unhampered by…” quote by Theodore Roosevelt
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““Practical equality of opportunity for all citizens, when we achieve it, will have two great results. First, every man will have a fair chance to make of himself all that in him lies; to reach the highest point to which his capacities, unassisted by special privilege of his own and unhampered by the special privilege of others, can carry him, and to get for himself and his family substantially what he has earned. Second, equality of opportunity means that the commonwealth will get from every citizen the highest service of which he is capable. No man who carries the burden of the special privileges of another can give to the commonwealth that service to which it is fairly entitled.””

Theodore Roosevelt

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address on Equality of Opportunity, 1905

Equality of opportunity lets individuals thrive based on merit and benefits society by maximizing each person's contribution.

In simple terms: Fair chance leads to personal and societal gain.

Key Takeaway

Promote meritocracy and remove undue privileges.

Themes

meritocracy fairness social good

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education policy
  • employment practices
  • public welfare programs

Key Concepts

political philosophy economic theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What barriers prevent true equal opportunity?
  • How can societies balance equity and merit?
A Different Perspective

Implementation can be hindered by systemic biases.

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