Robert Kennedy: 'There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?'

There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?

In Robert Kennedy's famous quote, he beautifully captures two contrasting perspectives towards life and the world around us. On one hand, there are individuals who observe things as they are, questioning the reasons and logic behind them. On the other hand, there are those like Kennedy himself, who possess the extraordinary ability to dream of things that have never been and question why they cannot be brought into existence. This quote holds immense significance as it challenges us to think beyond the confines of our reality and encourages us to explore the untapped potential of our imagination.Kennedy's words resonate deeply in a society that often places great emphasis on conformity and maintaining the status quo. It is easy to fall into the trap of simply accepting things as they are, without ever questioning whether they could be better or different. However, it is precisely this kind of questioning - the one that dreams of the impossible - that has driven countless advancements throughout history. From the invention of electricity to the exploration of space, every significant human achievement began as a seemingly impossible dream before becoming a reality. Kennedy reminds us that it is these dreamers, the pioneers who dared to ask 'why not?', who have shaped our world.But what lies at the heart of this seemingly simple dichotomy between accepting 'what is' and dreaming 'what never was'? Is it merely a matter of perspective or is there something more profound at play? Perhaps there is a philosophical concept that sheds light on this contrast and adds depth to Kennedy's quote. Enter existentialism – a philosophy that questions the nature and purpose of human existence, and urges individuals to take responsibility for their own lives.Existentialism suggests that life is inherently devoid of purpose or meaning. In the face of this perceived meaninglessness, individuals have two choices - they can either adopt a passive acceptance of their circumstances or actively create their own meaning and purpose. Those who look at things 'the way they are' and ask 'why' are akin to existentialists who embrace the philosophy of passive acceptance. They accept the world as it is, subscribing to the belief that there is little they can do to change it.Conversely, those who dream of things 'that never were' and ask 'why not?' align with the existentialists who choose to actively create their own reality. They refuse to accept the limitations imposed by the world and instead challenge the status quo, striving to bring their dreams to life. By embracing the philosophy of existentialism, they reject the notion that things are fixed or immutable, and instead, engage in a continuous process of self-discovery and transformation.Kennedy's quote can thus be seen as encompassing both the existentialist perspective and the power of the human imagination. It conveys the idea that we have the potential to shape our own reality regardless of the constraints imposed upon us by the world. By daring to ask 'why' and then proceeding to question 'why not?', we unlock the doors to a realm where possibility knows no bounds.In conclusion, Robert Kennedy's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the divergent paths we can choose in life - whether to accept the world as it is or to dream of new possibilities. By introducing the philosophies of existentialism, we gain insight into the underlying nature of this contrast and the importance of actively pursuing our dreams. Let us not settle for the ordinary, but instead cultivate a mindset that consistently asks 'why not?' and works tirelessly to transform our dreams into reality.