John F. Kennedy quotes - page 17

We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others. (John F. Kennedy)
...probably the greatest concentration of talent and genius in this house except for perhaps those times when Thomas Jefferson ate alone. View quote
John F. Kennedy
And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I look forward to an america in which commands respect throughout the world, not only for its strength, but for its civilization as well. And I look forward to a world in which we will be safe not only for democracy and diversity but also for personal distinction. View quote
John F. Kennedy
Democracy and defense are not substitutes for one another. Either alone will fail. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises. View quote
John F. Kennedy
So, let us not be blind to our differences - but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved. View quote
John F. Kennedy
The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly. View quote
John F. Kennedy
The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence. View quote
John F. Kennedy
The great French Marshall Lyautey once asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that the tree was slow growing and would not reach maturity for 100 years. The Marshall replied, 'In that case, there is no time to lose; plant it this afternoon!' View quote
John F. Kennedy
We do not intend to abandon our duty to mankind to seek a peaceful solution. (John F. Kennedy)
If the pursuit of learning is not defended by the educated citizen, it will not be defended at all. View quote
John F. Kennedy
With your help, and the help of other free men, this crisis can be surmounted. Freedom can prevail and peace can endure. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I come here today to look across this world of threats to a world of peace. In that search we cannot expect any final triumph. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute. View quote
John F. Kennedy
We must deal with the world as it is, and not as it might have been had the history of the last 18 years been different. View quote
John F. Kennedy
Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle. View quote
John F. Kennedy
We in this country, in this generation, are - by destiny rather than choice - the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of "peace on earth, good will toward men". That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. View quote
John F. Kennedy
Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I do not say that a world without aggression or threats of war would be an easy world. It will bring new problems, new challenges from the Communists, new dangers of relaxing our vigilance or of mistaking their intent. But those dangers pale in comparison to those of the spiraling arms race and a collision course towards war. Since the beginning of history, war has been mankind's constant companion. View quote
John F. Kennedy
I want to talk about our common responsibilities in the face of a common danger. The events of recent weeks may have helped to illuminate that challenge for some; but the dimensions of its threat have loomed large on the horizon for many years. (John F. Kennedy)
I think the United States should be a leader. A country as rich and powerful as this which bears so many burdens and responsibilities, which has so many opportunities, should be second to none. View quote
John F. Kennedy
The survival of our friends is in danger. View quote
John F. Kennedy
The times are too grave, the challenge too urgent, and the stakes too high - to permit the customary passions of political debate. We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future. View quote
John F. Kennedy
Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by accident, or miscalculation, or by madness. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us. View quote
John F. Kennedy