"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death."

John F. Kennedy Politics See all quotes by John F. Kennedy →

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More by John F. Kennedy

“Address to Latin American diplomats at the White House”

“Things don't just happen, they are made to happen.”

“Third, and finally, the educated citizen has an obligation to uphold the law. This is the obligation of every citizen in a free and peaceful society — but the educated citizen has a special responsibility by the virtue of his greater understanding. For whether he has ever studied history or current events, ethics or civics, the rules of a profession or the tools of a trade, he knows that only a respect for the law makes it possible for free men to dwell together in peace and progress.”

“Everything essential to the security of freedom must be done; and if that should require more men, or more taxes, or more controls, or other new powers, I shall not hesitate to ask them. I realize that no public revenue measure is welcomed by everyone. But I am certain that every American wants to pay his fair share, and not leave the burden of defending freedom entirely to those who bear arms. For we have mortgaged our very future on this defense--and we cannot fail to meet our responsibilities.”

“InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse: Nelley Connally”

“John F. Kennedy Birthplace National Historic Site”

Resonant Thoughts

"The power of the United States depended heavily on its pale empire of ideas, attitudes and innovations. Its ideas alighted effortlessly on foreign ground, irrespective of who owned the ground. Much of…"

— Geoffrey Blainey

Education1930

#technology

"We have two big neighbors, and, of course, we are really striving to maintain neighborly good relations with our two neighbors. As well, we want to have good relations with other nations. All those ot…"

— Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

#Philosophy

"However, even those who expect deterrence to work might hesitate at introducing a new weapon system that increased the reliability of deterrence, but at the cost of increasing the possible casualties …"

— Herman Kahn

Science1922–1983

#war

"I am more than ever awed and overwhelmed by the monumental talents it was my great, great privilege to work for and with. There is therefore no way I can thank you for this beautiful award without tha…"

— Audrey Hepburn

Entertainment1929–1993

#kindness