Today marks the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination.
Historian David McCullough reminded the gathered crowd in Boston’s JFK Library what was important about the young Kennedy: “He knew words matter.” … “His words changed lives. His words changed history,” he told NBC News. “Like Lincoln did.”
Already revered by many, his premature death sealed his status as an iconic of world politics, reports Esquire magazine. A charismatic, thoughtful and powerful public speaker, his quotes have become some of the western world’s most enduring.
Here are some of his best quotes:
“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.”
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.
“This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.” [State of the Union Message, January 14, 1963]
“We will be remembered not for victories or defeat in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”
“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of American.”