Politics
On our blog, we share our Quote of the Week as well as other insights about our work and about our community. As our society continues to struggle with some of the same issues that Sargent Shriver focused on -- poverty, racism, inequality, war -- we believe it's important to share our stories with each other. Do you have a story to share about Sargent Shriver or about one of the issues he cared about? Share your story with us by emailing it to info@sargentshriver.org. Maybe we'll post it here!
Jun
07
Setting Our Own Direction
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week comes from an inflection point in the history of the United States, after Watergate and the end of the war in Vietnam. Today, we continue to take to heart Sargent Shriver’s observation that we, the people, can shape events during such a moment.Sargent Shriver made these...
Jan
24
"Power, properly used ..."
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week reminds us that political power can be effective in achieving peace, but can be a destructive force if accumulated for its own sake.Sargent Shriver spoke these words while he was candidate for Vice President in the 1972 US Presidential election. Running on the...
Jul
12
On Politics and Ethics
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week reminds us that ethics must have a role in the wielding of political power. When making decisions, if political leaders do not keep the best interests of the people in mind, the people's well-being and freedoms are jeopardized.Sargent Shriver spoke these words during the...
Jan
11
"Truthfulness and honesty in public life"
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week places emphasis on one of the most important qualities a political leader can have at any time, and particularly in this moment: the ability to tell the truth.This week's quote comes from Sargent Shriver's 1972 Graduation Speech at St. Ignatius, an address he gave while...
Jul
27
The Dangers of Cynical Leadership
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week, from Sargent Shriver's 1975 announcement of candidacy for President of the United States, has us thinking about the dangers of cynical leadership. As we head towards the 2020 Presidential election and as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative that we...
Dec
09
"For all Americans who feel politically powerless ..."
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week suggests that we can empower ourselves by focusing on something larger than ourselves: service to our communities and to those more vulnerable than ourselves. By empowering others, we commit fully to our society and strengthen our own sense of citizenship.In 1968, Sargent...
Oct
21
"The Shaping of a Common Existence"
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week may be from almost 44 years ago, but it makes some observations that continue to ring true in our hyperconnected world: no matter how much we attempt to separate or isolate ourselves from other countries, we share a common existence. The challenges and threats that we face...
Sep
02
For Labor Day
Our Quote of the Week marks Labor Day with a call to the humanizing of American life. The quote is as relevant today as it was when Sargent Shriver said these words 47 years ago.In a 1972 speech about the importance of labor, Sargent Shriver addressed American workers. At the time, he was...
