1.“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward” -Martin Luther King Jr.
2."This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor." --"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union (12)," January 14, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
3."Rising tide lifts all boats". --"Remarks in Pueblo, Colorado following Approval of the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project (336)," August 17, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
4."...victory has 100 fathers and defeat is an orphan..." --"President's News Conference of April 21, 1961 (139)," Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
5."We must use time as a tool, not as a couch" --"Address in New York City to the National Association of Manufacturers (496)," December 6, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
6."A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on". --"Remarks Recorded for the Opening of a USIA Transmitter at Greenville, North Carolina (55)," February 8, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents, John F. Kennedy, 1963.
7."But however close we sometimes seem to that dark and final abyss, let no man of peace and freedom despair. For he does not stand alone." --"Address to the U.N. General Assembly (387)," September 25, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
8."If all of you had voted the other way - there's about 5,500 of you here tonight - I would not be the President of the United States." --"Address in Chicago at a dinner of the Democratic Party of Cook County (155)," April 28, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
9."I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft." --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
10."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." --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
11."A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers. (439)" --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
12."We have all seen these circus elephants complete with tusks, ivory in their head and thick skins, who move around the circus ring and grab the tail of the elephant ahead of them." --Speech at the Cow Palace, San Francisco, California, 2 November 1960. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files, Box 914, "Cow Palace, San Francisco, California, 2 November 1960." JFK Library.
13."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." --"LOOK magazine, 'The Arts in America' (552)," December 18, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
14."In serving his vision of the truth, the artist best serves his nation." --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
15."It may be different elsewhere. But democratic society - in it, the highest duty of the writer, the composer, the artist is to remain true to himself and to let the chips fall where they may." --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
16."Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." --"Re: United States Committee for UNICEF July 25, 1963." Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Central Files. Chronological File, Box 11, "July 1963: 16-31." JFK Library.
17."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." --"Statement by the President to American Women Concerning their Role in Securing World Peace (449)," November 1, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
18."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." -- Speech at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 14 June 1956. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files, Box 895, "Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 14 June 1956." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
19."The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining - by filling three basic gaps in our anti-recession protection." --"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union (7)," January 11, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
20."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." --"Special message to the Congress on National Health Needs (65)," February 27, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
21."Our deep spiritual confidence that this nation will survive the perils of today - which may well be with us for decades to come - compels us to invest in our nation's future, to consider and meet our obligations to our children and the numberless generations that will follow." --"Special message to the Congress on Conservation (69)," March 1, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
22."It's only when they join together in a forward movement that this country moves ahead..." --"Remarks at Los Banos, CA at the Groundbreaking Ceremonies for the San Luis Dam (337)," August 18, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
23."I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." --"Remarks at a Dinner Honoring Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere (161)," April 29, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
24."When I ran for Presidency of the United States, I knew that this country faced serious challenges, but I could not realize - nor could any man realize who does not bear the burdens of this office - how heavy and constant would be those burdens" --"Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Berlin Crisis (302)," July 25, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
25."Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past - let us accept our own responsibility for the future." --Speech at Loyola College Alumni Banquet, Baltimore, Maryland, 18 February, 1958. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files, Box 899, "Loyola College annual alumni banquet, Baltimore, Maryland, 18 February 1958." JFK Library.
26."When at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each of us...our success or failure...will be measured by the answers to four questions: First, were we truly men of courage...? Secondly, were we truly men of judgment...? Third, were we truly men of integrity...? Finally, were we truly men of dedication...?" --Speech before the Massachusetts State Legislature, Boston, Massachusetts, 9 January 1961. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files, Box 34, "Address to Massachusetts State Legislature, 9 January 1961." JFK Library.
27."With all of the history of war, and the human race's history unfortunately has been a good deal more war than peace, with nuclear weapons distributed all through the world, and available, and the strong reluctance of any people to accept defeat, I see the possibility in the 1970's of the President of the United States having to face a world in which 15 or 20 or 25 nations may have these weapons." --"The President's News Conference of March 21, 1963 (107)," Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
28."...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." --"Remarks at a Closed-circuit Television Broadcast on Behalf of the National Cultural Center (527)," November 29, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
29."We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth." --"Remarks at Amherst College upon receiving an Honorary Degree (439)," October 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
30."We can say with some assurance that, although children may be the victims of fate, they will not be the victims of our neglect." --"Remarks upon signing the Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Bill (434)," October 24, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
31."If the economy of today were operating close to capacity levels with little unemployment, or if a sudden change in our military requirements should cause a scramble for men and resources, then I would oppose tax reductions as irresponsible and inflationary; and I would not hesitate to recommend a tax increase if that were necessary." --"Address and Question and Answer Period at the Economic Club of New York (549)," December 14, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
32."I have seen in many places housing which has been developed under government influences, but I have never seen any projects in which governments have played their part which have fountains and statues and grass and trees, which are as important to the concept of the home as the roof itself." --"Remarks at the Unidad Independencia Housing Project, City of Mexico (269)," June 30, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
33."I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" --"Remarks at the U.S. Naval Academy (321)," August 1, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents, John F. Kennedy, 1963.
34."...what really counts is not the immediate act of courage or of valor, but those who bear the struggle day in and day out - not the sunshine patriots but those who are willing to stand for a long period of time." --"Remarks at the White House to Members of the American Legion (70)," March 1, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
35."Harry Truman once said, 'There are 14 or 15 million Americans who have the resources to have representatives in Washington to protect their interests, and that the interests of the great mass of the other people - the 150 or 160 million - is the responsibility of the president of the United States, and I propose to fulfill it.'" --"Address in Atlantic City at the Convention of the United Auto Workers (174)," May 8, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
36."Never before has man had such capacity to control his own environment, to end thirst and hunger, to conquer poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and massive human misery. We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world - or make it the last." --"Address before the 18th General Assembly of the United Nations (366)," September 20, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
37."...we must think and act not only for the moment but for our time. I am reminded of the story of the great French Marshal Lyautey, who once asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that the tree was slow-growing and would not reach maturity for a hundred years. The Marshal replied, 'In that case, there is no time to lose, plant it this afternoon.'" --"Address in Berkeley at the University of California, (109)," March 23, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
38."What we seek to advance, what we seek to develop in all of our colleges and universities, are educated men and women who can bear the burdens of responsible citizenship, who can make judgments about life as it is, and as it must be, and encourage the people to make those decisions which can bring not only prosperity and security, but happiness to the people of the United States and those who depend upon it." --"Address at the University of North Dakota (379)," September 25, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
39."I ask particularly that those of you who are now in school will prepare yourselves to bear the burden of leadership over the next 40 years here in the United States, and make sure that the United States - which I believe almost alone has maintained watch and ward for freedom - that the United States meet its responsibility. That is a wonderful challenge for us as a people." --"Remarks at the Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington (387)," September 27, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
40."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." --"Radio and Television Address to the American People on the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (316)," July 26, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
41."Our goal is not the victory of might but the vindication of right...not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved." --"Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Soviet Arms Build-up in Cuba (485)," October 22, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.
42."And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." --"Commencement Address at American University in Washington, D.C. (232)," June 10, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.
43."...that we shall be as a city upon a hill - the eyes of all people are upon us." (Winthrop) -- Speech before the Massachusetts State Legislature, Boston, Massachusetts, 9 January 1961. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files, Box 34, "Address to Massachusetts State Legislature 9 January 1961." JFK Library.
44."And we must face the fact that the United States is neither omnipotent or omniscient - that we are only six percent of the world's population - that we cannot impose our will upon the other ninety-four percent of mankind - that we cannot right every wrong or reverse each adversity - and that therefore there cannot be an American solution to every world problem." --"Address in Seattle at the University of Washington's 100th Anniversary Program (473)," November 16, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
45."In seeking the help of the Congress and our countrymen, I pledged no easy answers. I pledged, and asked, only toil and dedication. These the Congress and the people have given in good measure." --"Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union," January 14, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.