The Greeks understood that mind and body must develop in harmonious proportions to produce a creative intelligence. And so did the most brilliant intelligence of our earliest days - Thomas Jefferson - when he said, not less than two hours a day should be devoted to exercise. If the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence, was Secretary of State, and twice President, could give it two hours, our children can give it ten or fifteen minutes.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of balancing mental and physical development for overall intelligence and creativity.
John F. Kennedy highlights the idea that both mental and physical health are essential for a well-rounded education and the development of intelligence. He references Thomas Jefferson to underscore the importance that historical figures placed on exercise as a critical component of personal growth. Kennedy encourages the modern generation to invest a small amount of time in physical activity each day, suggesting that even a few minutes can contribute to their overall well-being and intellect.
In practice
In a speech about youth fitness programs, this quote could be used to advocate for physical activity in schools.
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.
Public school - where the human mind is drilled and manipulated into submission to various social and moral spooks, and thus fitted to continue our system of exploitation and oppression.
The schools must fashion the person, and fashion him in such a way that he simply cannot will otherwise than what you wish him to will.
To practice your scales, so to speak, in order play the symphony, is what you have to do as a young poet.
In the end we retain from our studies only that which we practically apply.
Books open windows to the world and have the power to transform lives.
On the average, five times as many people read the headlines as read the body copy.
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