The gross national product does not allow for the

health of our children, the quality of their education,

or the joy of their play.

It does not include

the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages;

the intelligence of our public debate or

the integrity of our public officials.

It measures neither our wit nor our courage;

neither our wisdom nor our learning;

neither our compassion

nor our devotion to our country;

it measures everything, in short,

except that which makes life worthwhile.

Robert F. Kennedy, 1968