I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life.
Interpretation
The quality of a school is reflected in how its former students contribute to society.
John F. Kennedy emphasizes that the true measure of a school's success lies not just in its academic performance but in the impact its alumni have on the broader society. When former students actively contribute to national life, it signifies that the education they received has instilled in them a sense of responsibility and purpose, showcasing the lasting influence of their school.
In practice
In a speech about educational reform, a politician might quote Kennedy to emphasize the importance of alumni contributions to society.
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.
This pedagogy makes oppression and its causes objects of reflection by the oppressed, and from that reflection will come their necessary engagement in the struggle for their liberation. And in the struggle this pedagogy will be made and remade
Keep your hands moving. Writing is rewriting.
Take the time to write. You can do your life's work in half an hour a day.
The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.
Traveling is my form of self-education. Every stream I fish now is not as good as it used to be. Traveling is my form of self-education. Every stream I fish now is not as good as it used to be. If you keep your eyes open as you travel around, you realize we are destroying this planet.
I would never suggest to anyone that they drop school for chess. First of all even if you can make it in chess, your social skills need to be developed there.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.