"What would Lincoln have been without the Civil War? Just another railroad lawyer!"

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

React to this quote

More by John F. Kennedy

“Address to Latin American diplomats at the White House”

“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”

“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.”

“John F. Kennedy Birthplace National Historic Site”

Resonant Thoughts

"In every age and every generation men have envisioned some promised land. Plato envisioned it in his republic as a time when justice would reign throughout society and philosophers would become kings …"

— Martin Luther King

Social Activism1929–1968

#society

"Large-scale riots in East Pakistan have compelled over two lakh Hindus and other minorities to come over to India. Indians naturally feel incensed by the happenings in East Bengal. To bring the situat…"

— Deendayal Upadhyaya

Politics1916–1968

#life

"If the Senate is not acting, what can be done about it? Even if you could conceive of a testing lawsuit, what would the response be? 'Well, you want us to vote, so we'll vote no.' I do think cooler he…"

— Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Law1933–2020

#justice

"It is quite clear that the government of Venezuela is, on the face of it, responsible for human rights abuses and it does not have a plan to get themselves out of the situation they are currently in."

— Emily Thornberry

Economics1960

#justice