“Not all Senators would agree—but few would deny that the desire to be re-elected exercises a strong brake on independent courage.”
John F. Kennedy
Profiles in Courage (Primary source)
Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning volume that examines the political bravery of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to uphold their principles. Published while Kennedy was a senator, the book reflects his belief in the importance of moral integrity in public service, even in the face of intense opposition or electoral consequences.
More about “Profiles in Courage” →
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
— John F. Kennedy Primary source“We choose to go to the Moon. 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.”
— John F. Kennedy Primary source“The greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.”
— John F. Kennedy Primary source“There’s an old saying that victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan.”
— John F. Kennedy Primary sourceMore quotes by John F. Kennedy →
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
— Winston Churchill Disputed“We talk of choosing our friends, but friends are self-elected.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.”
— Napoleon Bonaparte Disputed“Courage cannot be counterfeited. It is one virtue that escapes hypocrisy.”
— Napoleon Bonaparte DisputedPolitics Independence Courage Election