To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required, not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Arts 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.

Certainty

The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is unchangeable or certain.

Children

A child miseducated is a child lost.

Commitment

Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.

Conflict

If we cannot end our differences at least we can make the world safe for diversity.

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.

Education

Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.

Enemies

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

Freedom

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility -- I welcome it.

Human Spirit

I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.

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.

Optimism

When you have seven percent unemployed, you have ninety-three percent working.

Peace

It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war.

Poetry and Poets

When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.

Poverty and The Poor

If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Risk

There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.

Tyranny

A police state finds that it cannot command the grain to grow.

Voting

The margin is narrow, but the responsibility is clear.