I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, human liberty as the source of national action, the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of human dignity, liberty, compassion, and intellect as foundational elements for a nation's purpose and progress.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy articulates a vision of what drives a country's identity and function. He suggests that the intrinsic value of humanity—represented by dignity, liberty, compassion, and intellect—serves as the cornerstone upon which national aspirations are built. By elevating human qualities to the forefront, Kennedy implies that a nation thrives when it prioritizes the welfare and potential of its people, using these values as guiding principles for action and innovation.
In practice
In a speech advocating for human rights, one could use this quote to highlight the foundation of societal values.
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.
But it is important to know this, to know your roots. To know where you started as a person. If not, your own life seems unreal to you. Like a puzzle. Vous comprenez? Like you have missed the beginning of a story and now you are in the middle of it, trying to understand.
Medicine to produce health must examine disease; and music, to create harmony must investigate discord.
This awful catastrophe is not the end but the beginning. History does not end so. It is the way its chapters open.
The continuous narrative of existence is a lie. There is no continuous narrative, there are lit-up moments, and the rest is dark. When you look closely, the twenty-four hour day is framed into a moment; the still-life of the jerky amphetamine world. That woman-a pieta. Those men, rough angels with an unknown message. The children holding hands, spanning time. And in every still-life, there is a story, the story that tells you everything you need to know.
I like some animals more than some people, some people more than some animals.
The holy law of Jesus Christ governs our civilisation, but it does not yet permeate it.
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