And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country._x000D_ _x000D_ My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Interpretation
Contribute to your country instead of just seeking what it can provide for you.
This quote by John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of civic duty and personal responsibility. It encourages individuals to think beyond their own needs and consider how they can contribute to the greater good of society and the welfare of others.
In practice
During a community event focused on volunteering, this quote can inspire others to take action.
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.
It is impossible to imagine anything which better becomes a ruler than mercy.
Who gets to be best-liked in any community? Who is the most trusted? Why, the man who does the dirty job, of course, and does it with a smile. The man who does the job you couldn't bring yourself to do.
If you want to reach the top, don't run over others. Likely, the only way you'll reach the top is to be carried there by others.
Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.
As president, I was more successful; I had more opportunity than as prime minister. Why? I didn't have the power to give orders, to command, but I had the opportunity to call people to volunteer. In my period of presidency, I never heard the word 'no.'
The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.