We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the fundamental belief in freedom as a personal conviction and a commitment to others.
John F. Kennedy's quote underscores the importance of freedom as a core principle that guides both individual actions and societal responsibilities. It reflects the idea that embracing freedom is not only essential for personal dignity but also a commitment to ensuring that others experience the same liberty. This belief is fundamental in promoting justice and equality, making it a profound reflection on human rights and societal values.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about human rights to emphasize the importance of freedom for all.
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 secret point of money and power in America is neither the things that money can buy nor power for power's sake... but absolute personal freedom, mobility, privacy. It is the instinct which drove America to the Pacific, all through the nineteenth century, the desire to be able to find a restaurant open in case you want a sandwich, to be a free agent, live by one's own rules.
In our early struggles for liberty, religious freedom could not fail to become a primary object.
True freedom is to share All the chains our brothers wear, And, with heart and hand, to be Earnest to make others free!
In the 20th century, imprisonment of writers practically comes with the territory.
It is well for us to pause, to acknowledge our debt to those who paid so large a share of freedom's price.
In order to be able to live at all in America I must be unafraid to live anywhere in it, and I must be able to live in the fashion and with whom I choose.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.