Kennedy's Call To Action Exploring The Source Of Tame The Savageness Of Man
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, sent shockwaves across the United States and the world. In the wake of this tragedy, then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a powerful and impromptu speech in Indianapolis, Indiana, a speech widely regarded as one of the most moving and eloquent addresses in American history. In his statement, Kennedy grappled with the immense grief and anger that gripped the nation, urging Americans to respond to violence with understanding, compassion, and a renewed commitment to justice. A key element of Kennedy's message was a call to "tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world." This evocative phrase, resonating with both its immediate context and a deeper historical understanding, has become inextricably linked to Kennedy's legacy and the ongoing struggle for peace and equality. This article will delve into the origins and significance of this quote, its place within Kennedy's broader speech, and its enduring relevance in today's world.
The True Source: Aeschylus and the Ancient Greeks
The assertion that Kennedy's quote, "tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world," originates from the Romans is false. The profound words are not rooted in Roman literature or philosophy but are instead drawn from the works of the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. Aeschylus, considered one of the founding fathers of Greek tragedy, penned numerous plays exploring themes of justice, revenge, and the human condition. Kennedy directly quotes from Aeschylus's play Agamemnon. This quote from Agamemnon appears within a larger narrative about the cycle of violence and the possibility of breaking free from it. In the play, the chorus reflects upon the sacrifice of Iphigenia, Agamemnon's daughter, and the subsequent chain of events leading to Agamemnon's own murder. The lines from Aeschylus that Kennedy quoted underscore the profound human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. They serve as a plea to transcend our baser instincts and cultivate a world characterized by gentleness and understanding.
Kennedy's Speech: A Context of Grief and Hope
To fully appreciate the significance of Kennedy's quotation of Aeschylus, it's crucial to understand the circumstances in which the speech was delivered. Kennedy was in Indianapolis, preparing for a campaign rally, when news of King's assassination broke. The city, like many others across the nation, was teetering on the brink of unrest. Amid the palpable grief and anger, Kennedy faced the daunting task of addressing a crowd, many of whom were African American and deeply invested in the civil rights movement. He spoke not only as a politician but as a man grappling with his own grief and seeking to channel the collective pain toward constructive action. Kennedy's decision to quote Aeschylus in this context was far from arbitrary. The words of the ancient Greek playwright served to elevate the moment, connecting the immediate tragedy to a larger historical narrative about the human struggle with violence and the enduring quest for peace. He sought to bridge the divide between grief and hope, urging his audience to resist the temptation of anger and revenge and instead embrace a vision of reconciliation and justice. By invoking the wisdom of the ancients, Kennedy grounded his message in a timeless plea for human compassion. This underscored the universality of the struggle for peace and justice, transcending specific historical moments and cultural contexts.
The Enduring Relevance: A Call to Action for Today
More than half a century after Kennedy's speech, the words "tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world" continue to resonate with profound power. In a world still plagued by conflict, injustice, and division, Kennedy's call to action remains urgently relevant. The quote challenges us to confront the darker aspects of human nature – the impulses toward violence, hatred, and intolerance – and to actively cultivate the virtues of empathy, understanding, and compassion. It serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of peace is not a passive endeavor but an active and ongoing process, requiring constant vigilance and a commitment to transforming both individual hearts and societal structures. The phrase speaks to the interconnectedness of human destiny, emphasizing that the pursuit of a gentle world is not merely an idealistic aspiration but a pragmatic necessity for our collective survival. Kennedy's speech, with its powerful invocation of Aeschylus, offers a timeless lesson in leadership, urging us to respond to tragedy not with despair but with a renewed commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and peace. The quote is a call to individual responsibility, reminding each of us that we have a role to play in shaping the world we inhabit. It is not enough to condemn violence and injustice; we must actively work to create a more compassionate and equitable society. This involves challenging prejudice and discrimination, promoting dialogue and understanding across divides, and advocating for policies that advance peace and human dignity.
In conclusion, Kennedy's quotation of Aeschylus in his speech following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination was a masterful stroke, adding depth, resonance, and timelessness to his message. The words "tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world" are not simply a poignant phrase but a profound call to action, urging us to confront the darker aspects of human nature and actively cultivate a world characterized by compassion, justice, and peace. This enduring message continues to inspire and challenge us today, reminding us that the pursuit of a better world is an ongoing endeavor that requires the commitment and participation of each and every one of us. Kennedy's legacy lies not only in his words but also in his call to action, a call that remains as urgent and relevant today as it was in the tumultuous spring of 1968.
