Lack of education, old age, bad health or discrimination - these are causes of poverty, and the way to attack it is to go to the root.

In this quote, Robert Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and advocate for social justice, outlines some of the primary causes of poverty: lack of education, old age, bad health, and discrimination. Kennedy emphasizes that these issues are interconnected and often contribute to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. By pointing to the root causes of poverty, he advocates for addressing the underlying systemic issues rather than merely treating the symptoms.

Kennedy's call to "go to the root" suggests that real change can only be achieved by tackling these foundational causes directly. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, as it provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their lives and contribute to the economy. Similarly, addressing discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people, regardless of race, gender, or background, is essential for creating a more equitable society.

The mention of old age and bad health reflects the reality that many individuals face economic hardship due to a lack of access to healthcare or financial security in their later years. By improving healthcare access and creating systems to support the elderly, society can reduce the number of people who fall into poverty because of these factors. Kennedy’s statement implies that solving these issues requires not just financial support but also societal reforms and structural changes.

In essence, Kennedy’s quote calls for a comprehensive approach to addressing poverty by focusing on the deeper causes such as education, health, and discrimination. His message is clear: to reduce poverty effectively, society must work to eliminate the systemic barriers that prevent people from escaping economic hardship.