Best John F. Kennedy Quotes

John F. Kennedy Quotes About Leadership, Change, Country, Courage, Moon, War, Education, Communism & America! In Brookline, Massachusetts, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, better known as JFK, was born on May 29, 1917. The 35th President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy, is one of the most well-known politicians in contemporary history. He and his eight siblings relished their fortunate upbringing, which included summers spent on yachts, house cleaners, and summer estates.

When he was a young man, “Jack” Kennedy regularly suffered from many severe illnesses. Despite this, he worked hard to carve out his path, publishing a best-selling book while still a student at Harvard University and signing up for dangerous combat duty in the Pacific during World War II. JFK was sworn in as the second-youngest President of the United States after serving as a junior senator. He created history by founding the Alliance for Progress with Latin America and the Peace Corps, among other things.

As part of the successful talks for the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, he has also participated. Kennedy was a war hero and an early campaigner for civil rights, and he continues to be an example for future generations. He garnered even more fame during his reign because of his dedication to space exploration projects.

He was at the centre of several significant events in American history. Sadly, Harvey Oswald killed him on November 22, 1963, visiting Dallas. Although he was only President for a brief period, John F. Kennedy is remembered as one of the country’s most charismatic leaders and a talented public speaker.

Best John F. Kennedy Quotes

1. “If freedom is to survive and prosper, it will require the sacrifice, the effort and the thoughtful attention of every citizen.”-John F. Kennedy

2. “The stories of past courage…can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.”-John F. Kennedy

3. “For in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, ‘hold office’; everyone of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.”-John F. Kennedy

4. “A man does what he must—in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.”-John F. Kennedy

5. “Let us not emphasize all on which we differ but all we have in common. Let us consider not what we fear separately but what we share together.”-John F. Kennedy

6. “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”-John F. Kennedy

7. “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.”-John F. Kennedy

8. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”-John F. Kennedy

9. “I think the American people expect more from us than cries of indignation and attack. 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.”-John F. Kennedy

10. “So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”-John F. Kennedy

11. “That is the question of the New Frontier. That is the choice our nation must make—a choice that lies not merely between two men or two parties, but between the public interest and private comfort—between national greatness and national decline—between the fresh air of progress and the stale, dank atmosphere of “normalcy”—between determined dedication and creeping mediocrity. All mankind waits upon our decision. A whole world looks to see what we will do. We cannot fail their trust, we cannot fail to try.”-John F. Kennedy

12. “Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.”-John F. Kennedy

13. “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”-John F. Kennedy

14. “My fellow Americans, let us take that first step. Let us…step back from the shadow of war and seek out the way of peace. And if that journey is a thousand miles, or even more, let history record that we, in this land, at this time, took the first step.”-John F. Kennedy

15. “I have said that control of arms is a mission that we undertake particularly for our children and our grandchildren and that they have no lobby in Washington.”-John F. Kennedy

16. “If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place in which to live.”-John F. Kennedy

17. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”-John F. Kennedy

18. “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”-John F. Kennedy

19. “For one true measure of a nation is its success in fulfilling the promise of a better life for each of its members. Let this be the measure of our nation.”-John F. Kennedy

20. “…I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”-John F. Kennedy

21. “I have pledged myself and my colleagues in the cabinet to a continuous encouragement of initiative, responsibility and energy in serving the public interest. Let every public servant know, whether his post is high or low, that a man’s rank and reputation in this Administration will be determined by the size of the job he does, and not by the size of his staff, his office or his budget.”-John F. Kennedy

22. “The success of this Government, and thus the success of our Nation, depends in the last analysis upon the quality of our career services.”-John F. Kennedy

23. “War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”-John F. Kennedy

24. “In the Chinese language, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters, one representing danger and the other, opportunity.”-John F. Kennedy

25. “Rising tide lifts all boats.”-John F. Kennedy

26. “To further the appreciation of culture among all the people, to increase respect for the creative individual, to widen participation by all the processes and fulfillments of art – this is one of the fascinating challenges of these days.”-John F. Kennedy

27. “We can say with some assurance that, although children may be the victims of fate, they will not be the victims of our neglect.”-John F. Kennedy

28. “I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty…an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft.”-John F. Kennedy

29. “The Federal Budget can and should be made an instrument of prosperity and stability, not a deterrent to recovery.”-John F. Kennedy

30. “We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.”-John F. Kennedy