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.
Does he think to scare me? Arya kissed him where his nose should be and plucked the grave worm from his eye to eat it, but it melted like a shadow in her hand. The yellow skull was melting too, and the kindliest old man that she had ever seen was smiling down on her. "No one has ever tried to eat my worm before," he said. "Are you hungry, child?" Yes, she thought, but not for food.
This is reality, whether you like it or not--all those frivolities of summer, the light and shadow, the living mask of green that trembled over everything, they were lies, and this is what was underneath. This is the truth.
It takes solitude under the stars, for us to be reminded of our eternal origin and our far destiny.
If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.
That God cannot lie, is no advantage to your argument, because it is no proof that priests can not, or that the Bible does not.
God is concerned about everything that concerns us - without exception.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.