Home»
John F Kennedy Quotes

100 Most Powerful Quotes By John F Kennedy That Will Give You Some Serious Life Goals

Famous As: 35th President of the United States (1961 - 1963)

Born On: May 29, 1917

Died On: November 22, 1963

Born In: Brookline, Massachusetts, United States

Founder / Co Founder: US-Israeli military alliance

Died At Age: 46

Kennedy’s quote to his countrymen, ‘It is not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’ tells a lot about his greatness as a leader and President. John F Kennedy was the youngest man to be elected as the President of the United States of America. Ironically, he was the youngest President to die as well. Barely 1000 days old as the President of USA, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His assassination turned him into a larger than life heroic figure as he became one of the best loved Presidents of America. Though Kennedy served as the President for barely two years, his presidency marked a period of optimism in American politics. He captured the imagination of the Americans; introduce a spark that inspired a new generation of Americans to believe in themselves and made it clear that the era of 1960s would be that of change, of progression and of scientific and technological advancement. His highly charismatic appearance, energetic being and adept mannerism made him so famous that even after death; he still ruled the minds and hearts of every American. His words synced in the ears and his quotes have been used time and again to define some serious life goals. Explore these quotes by John F Kennedy that give a new perspective and a new outlook to life.

Listed In:

Leaders

The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.

The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.
John F Kennedy

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
Never
John F Kennedy

The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.

The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.
John F Kennedy

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
You
John F Kennedy

We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.

We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.
Time
John F Kennedy

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

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." [Remarks on the first anniversary of the Alliance for Progress, 13 March 1962]
Will
John F Kennedy

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.
John F Kennedy

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

[Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 1963]

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. [Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 1963]
Never
John F Kennedy

Victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan.

[News conference, April 21 1961]

Victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan. [News conference, April 21 1961]
John F Kennedy

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

[Undelivered remarks for Dallas Trade Mart, November 22 1963]

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. [Undelivered remarks for Dallas Trade Mart, November 22 1963]
Learning
John F Kennedy

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

[Address at Rice University, September 12 1962]

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. [Address at Rice University, September 12 1962]
John F Kennedy

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

[Inaugural Address, January 20 1961]

If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. [Inaugural Address, January 20 1961]
John F Kennedy

Libraries should be open to all - except the censor.

[Response to questionnaire in Saturday Review, October 29 1960]

Libraries should be open to all - except the censor. [Response to questionnaire in Saturday Review, October 29 1960]
John F Kennedy

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death.

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death.
Death
John F Kennedy

One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.

One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.
John F Kennedy

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.

[Quoting Reverend Phillips Brooks, during Remarks at Presidential Prayer Breakfast, February 7 1963]

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. [Quoting Reverend Phillips Brooks, during Remarks at Presidential Prayer Breakfast, February 7 1963]
John F Kennedy

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

[Commencement Address at American University, June 10 1963]

If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. [Commencement Address at American University, June 10 1963]
John F Kennedy

Liberty without Learning is always in peril and Learning without Liberty is always in vain.

Liberty without Learning is always in peril and Learning without Liberty is always in vain.
Learning
John F Kennedy

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.

[Address in the Assembly Hall at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt, June 26 1963]

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future. [Address in the Assembly Hall at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt, June 26 1963]
Life Change Past
John F Kennedy

Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

[Inaugural Address, January 20 1961]

Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. [Inaugural Address, January 20 1961]
Never Fear
John F Kennedy

Mankind must put an end to war - or war will put an end to mankind.

[Address before the United Nations, September 25 1961]

Mankind must put an end to war - or war will put an end to mankind. [Address before the United Nations, September 25 1961]
War Will
John F Kennedy

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.

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.
Future Past
John F Kennedy

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

[State of the Union Address January 11 1962]

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. [State of the Union Address January 11 1962]
Time
John F Kennedy

We cannot negotiate with people who say what's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable.

We cannot negotiate with people who say what's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable." [ The Berlin Crisis: Radio and Television Address to the American People (The White House, July 25, 1961)]
John F Kennedy

I'm an idealist without illusions.

[Ca. 1953, attributed to John F. Kennedy by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. in 'A Thousand Days'

I'm an idealist without illusions. [Ca. 1953, attributed to John F. Kennedy by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. in 'A Thousand Days'
John F Kennedy

Art is the great democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society, disregarding race or religion or wealth or color

Art is the great democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society, disregarding race or religion or wealth or color
Art
John F Kennedy

Without debate, without criticism no administration and no country can succeed and no republic can survive.

Without debate, without criticism no administration and no country can succeed and no republic can survive.
John F Kennedy

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.

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

We need men who can dream of things that never were.

We need men who can dream of things that never were.
Never Need
John F Kennedy

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 futures, and we are all mortal.

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 futures, and we are all mortal.
John F Kennedy

The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.

The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.
John F Kennedy

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days . . .nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days . . .nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
Will
John F Kennedy

A child miseducated is a child lost.
John F Kennedy

I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose

I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose
Future Will Power I
John F Kennedy

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.
John F Kennedy

Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.

Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.
John F Kennedy

The most powerful single force in the world today is neither Communism nor Capitalism, neither the H-bomb nor the guided missile -- it is man's eternal desire to be free and independent.

The most powerful single force in the world today is neither Communism nor Capitalism, neither the H-bomb nor the guided missile -- it is man's eternal desire to be free and independent.
John F Kennedy

We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.

We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.
Never Art
John F Kennedy

The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.

The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.
John F Kennedy

Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life, I find.

[Quoted by Theodore Sorensen in 'Kennedy']

Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life, I find. [Quoted by Theodore Sorensen in 'Kennedy']
You Life I
John F Kennedy

A boy spends his time finding a girl to sleep with. A real man spends his time looking for the one worth waking up to.

A boy spends his time finding a girl to sleep with. A real man spends his time looking for the one worth waking up to.
Time
John F Kennedy

If not us, who? If not now, when?
John F Kennedy

The rising tide lifts all the boats.
John F Kennedy

There is, in addition to a courage with which men die; a courage by which men must live.

There is, in addition to a courage with which men die; a courage by which men must live.
John F Kennedy

Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather
it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.

Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
John F Kennedy

The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of our planet.

The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of our planet.
Time
John F Kennedy

Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
Future Past
John F Kennedy

Whether they be young in spirit, or young in age, the members of
the Democratic Party must never lose that youthful zest for new
ideas and for a better world, which has made us great.

Whether they be young in spirit, or young in age, the members of the Democratic Party must never lose that youthful zest for new ideas and for a better world, which has made us great.
Never Young
John F Kennedy

Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation, but they should have the equal right to develop their talent and their ability and their motivation, to make something of themselves.

Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation, but they should have the equal right to develop their talent and their ability and their motivation, to make something of themselves.
John F Kennedy

A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.

A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.
John F Kennedy

I was born an American, I live like an American, I will die an American.

I was born an American, I live like an American, I will die an American.
Like Will I
John F Kennedy

Immigration policy should be
generous; it should be fair; it should
be flexible. With such a policy we
can turn to the world, and to our own
past, with clean hands and a clear
conscience.

Immigration policy should be generous; it should be fair; it should be flexible. With such a policy we can turn to the world, and to our own past, with clean hands and a clear conscience.
John F Kennedy

Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.

Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.
Future Children Hope
John F Kennedy

There are costs and risks to a program of action, but they are far less than the long range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.

There are costs and risks to a program of action, but they are far less than the long range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.
John F Kennedy

Probably the greatest concentration of talent and genius in this house except for perhaps those times when Thomas Jefferson ate alone.

Probably the greatest concentration of talent and genius in this house except for perhaps those times when Thomas Jefferson ate alone.
Alone
John F Kennedy

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.
Culture Art
John F Kennedy

For, in the final analysis, our most 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.

For, in the final analysis, our most 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.
Future
John F Kennedy

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.

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.
I
John F Kennedy

Just because we cannot see clearly te end of the road, that is no reason for not setting out on the essential journey.

Just because we cannot see clearly te end of the road, that is no reason for not setting out on the essential journey.
John F Kennedy

Every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable .. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.

Every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable .. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.
War
John F Kennedy

Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside

Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside
Power
John F Kennedy

Time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life.

Time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life.
Life Change Time
John F Kennedy

The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence.

The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence.
Happiness
John F Kennedy

A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.

A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.
John F Kennedy

So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a
sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof

So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof
John F Kennedy

The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.

The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.
Never Need
John F Kennedy

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.

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.
Together Think Alone I
John F Kennedy

Great crisis produce great men and great deeds of courage.

Great crisis produce great men and great deeds of courage.
John F Kennedy

Things don't just happen. They are made to happen.

Things don't just happen. They are made to happen.
John F Kennedy

Do not pray for easy lives. Prey to be stronger men.

Do not pray for easy lives. Prey to be stronger men.
John F Kennedy

We choose to go to the moon in this decade, and the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

We choose to go to the moon in this decade, and the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.
John F Kennedy

No American is ever made better off by pulling a fellow American down, and all of us are made better off whenever any one of us is made better off.

No American is ever made better off by pulling a fellow American down, and all of us are made better off whenever any one of us is made better off.
John F Kennedy

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.
Time
John F Kennedy

The very word Secrecy is repugnant in a free and open society.

The very word Secrecy is repugnant in a free and open society.
John F Kennedy

Every dollar released from taxation, that is spent or invested, will create a new job and a new salary.

Every dollar released from taxation, that is spent or invested, will create a new job and a new salary.
Will
John F Kennedy

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.
Power
John F Kennedy

The men who create power make an indispensable contribution to the nation's greatness, but the men who question power make a contribution just as indispensable.

The men who create power make an indispensable contribution to the nation's greatness, but the men who question power make a contribution just as indispensable.
Power
John F Kennedy

The 1930s, Kennedy said, 'taught us a clear lesson; aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged, ultimately leads to war.

The 1930s, Kennedy said, 'taught us a clear lesson; aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged, ultimately leads to war.
War
John F Kennedy

War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.

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

When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.
Power
John F Kennedy

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.
John F Kennedy

It is compromise that prevents each set of reformers from crushing the group at the other end of the political spectrum.

It is compromise that prevents each set of reformers from crushing the group at the other end of the political spectrum.
John F Kennedy

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.
John F Kennedy

When written in Chinese, the word "crisis" is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.
John F Kennedy

We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.

We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.
Time
John F Kennedy

We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty

We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty
John F Kennedy

Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.

Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.
John F Kennedy

Truth is a tyrant-the only tyrant to whom we can give our allegiance. The service of truth is a matter of heroism.

Truth is a tyrant-the only tyrant to whom we can give our allegiance. The service of truth is a matter of heroism.
John F Kennedy

The greater our knowledge increases the greater our ignorance unfolds.

The greater our knowledge increases the greater our ignorance unfolds.
John F Kennedy

Our progress as a nation can be not swifter than our progress in education.

Our progress as a nation can be not swifter than our progress in education.
John F Kennedy

All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop those talents.

All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop those talents.
John F Kennedy

The life of the arts... is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization.

The life of the arts... is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization.
Life
John F Kennedy

The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose - and is a test to the quality of a nation's civilization.

The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is close to the center of a nation's purpose - and is a test to the quality of a nation's civilization.
Life
John F Kennedy

Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.

Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.
Together Nature Friends History
John F Kennedy

We, in this country, in this generation, are - by destiny rather than by choice - the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.

We, in this country, in this generation, are - by destiny rather than by choice - the watchmen on the walls of world freedom.
John F Kennedy

You can't relate to a superhero, to a superman, but you can identify with a real man who in times of crisis draws forth some extraordinary quality from within himself and triumphs but only after a struggle.

You can't relate to a superhero, to a superman, but you can identify with a real man who in times of crisis draws forth some extraordinary quality from within himself and triumphs but only after a struggle.
You
John F Kennedy

I don't think the intelligence reports are all that hot. Some days I get more out of the New York Times.

I don't think the intelligence reports are all that hot. Some days I get more out of the New York Times.
Think I
John F Kennedy

We cannot negotiate with those who say, 'What's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable.

We cannot negotiate with those who say, 'What's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable.
John F Kennedy

The highest duty of the writer is to remain true to himself and let the chips fall where they may. In serving his vision of the truth the artist best serves his nation.

The highest duty of the writer is to remain true to himself and let the chips fall where they may. In serving his vision of the truth the artist best serves his nation.
John F Kennedy