American Experience

In "Quotes"

Below are quotations from the speeches and writings of John Kennedy. Each is followed by a series of questions that you may want to raise with your students.

"The wave of the future is not the conquest of the world by a single dogmatic creed but the liberation of the diverse energies of free nations and free men."

Questions to Consider:

• How does this quotation seem to belie Kennedy's stance as a cold war leader in the fight against communism?
• Do you agree or disagree with Kennedy's statement?

"Liberty without learning is always in peril and learning without liberty is always in vain."

Questions to Consider:

• What, in your own words, does Kennedy mean by this?
• Why might education be important to maintaining liberty?
• What dangers does an uneducated populace face from its government?

"When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment."

Questions to Consider:

• In what ways does this quotation indicate Kennedy's attitude toward literature and art?
• How does art establish "the basic human truths"?
• What role do you think art plays or should play in your life?

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."

Questions to Consider:

• Do you agree with this statement?
• Does a repressive government inevitably bring about its own downfall? Why or why not?

"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

Questions to Consider:

• What famous quotation by another U.S. president is Kennedy alluding to?
• What does this quotation say about Kennedy's attitude toward the Soviet Union and other communist nations of the time?

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."

Questions to Consider:

• How is this statement an expression of democracy? Is it true?
• How might having a large proportion of poor people affect the stability of a country?
• How are wealthy people in a democracy linked to the well-being of the less fortunate?

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Questions to Consider:

• What is it about this statement that makes it so memorable?
• Why was it such a powerful call to action when it was spoken as part of Kennedy's inaugural speech?
• Do you think it is the responsibility of citizens to serve their country? Why or why not?

"Unconditional war can no longer lead to unconditional victory. It can no longer serve to settle disputes. It can no longer be of concern to great powers alone. For a nuclear disaster, spread by winds and waters and fear, could well engulf the great and the small, the rich and the poor, the committed and the uncommitted alike. Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind."

Questions to Consider:

• Is it still true today, given the fall of the USSR, that "war will put an end to mankind"?
• Can "unconditional" wars still be fought and won?