As far as the job of President goes, its rewarding and I've given before this group the definition of happiness for the Greeks. I'll define it again: the full use of your powers along lines of excellence. I find, therefore, that the Presidency provides some happiness.
Interpretation
Happiness comes from using one's abilities to the fullest and striving for excellence, as demonstrated by the presidency.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy reflects on the nature of happiness as it relates to one's capabilities and achievements, particularly in the context of the presidency. He suggests that true happiness is found in fully utilizing one's talents and striving for excellence, implying that leadership roles like the presidency, while challenging, can also offer significant rewards when approached with dedication and purpose.
In practice
In a speech about leadership qualities, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of dedication.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
The most dangerous negotiation is the one you don't know you're in.
It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of responses.
The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born - that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.
To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership-not only on the movie set where I learned it, but everywhere.
A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader.
Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.
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