“The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war. This generation of Americans has already had enough—more than enough—of war and hate and oppression. We shall be prepared if others wish it. We shall be alert to try to stop it. But we shall also do our part to build a world of peace where the weak are safe and the strong are just. We are not helpless before that task or hopeless of its success.”
John F. Kennedy
Commencement address at American University (Primary source)
On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy delivered the commencement address at American University in Washington, D.C., devoting the speech to what he called “the most important topic on earth: world peace.” Often referred to as the “Strategy of Peace” speech, the address marked a significant rhetorical shift in Cold War policy.
More about “Commencement address at American University” →
“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“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
— 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 source“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 Primary sourceMore quotes by John F. Kennedy →
“All things truly wicked start from an innocence.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“Please know that I am aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be a challenge to others.”
— Amelia Earhart Disputed“If you stop complaining and asking for what you never will get, you will have a good life. A good life is not measured by any biblical span.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source“I had learned already never to empty the well of my writing.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary source