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35th American President, 1961 - 1963 | |
On Space Exploration: "Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why did he want to climb it. He said, 'Because it is there.' Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked."
On Art and Artists:
"I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him."
"... the life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose--and it is the test of the quality of a nation's civilization."
On the 1962 Nobel Prize winners:
"I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
On Peace:
"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war."
On Citizenship:
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
On the Draft:
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living." (Clinton?)
On Liberty:
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
Miscellaneous:
"A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality. "
"The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of bold projects and new ideas. Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the great enterprises and ideals of American society."
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."
"Some people see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not?"
| rafael.pujals@excite.com
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