We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action towards a positive change rather than simply lamenting the negative circumstances.
John F. Kennedy's quote encourages individuals to focus on proactive solutions rather than succumbing to negativity. It suggests that instead of complaining about the challenges we face, we should strive to illuminate a path forward, symbolized by lighting a candle. This act of bringing light into darkness represents hope and guidance, advocating for a future defined by safety and sanity.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
The key then is to find your own mountain, otherwise you will be competing with people who are not even in your event, and running up against the 'shoulds' and 'oughts' of that world, and the inevitable frustration and depression and feelings of failure. A person can be complete or incomplete, but one thing is sure, he cannot be someone else.
You've got to believe in the possibilities. You've got to believe that tomorrow can be better than today. And here's the big one. Believe in yourself.
We’re all pros already. 1) We show up every day 2) We show up no matter what 3) We stay on the job all day 4) We are committed over the long haul 5) The stakes for us are high and real 6) We accept remuneration for our labor 7) We do not overidentify with our jobs 8 ) We master the technique of our jobs 9) We have a sense of humor about our jobs 10) We receive praise or blame in the real world
I want to keep pushing the limits to see what’s possible. That’s the nice thing about ski racing - no one is stopping you from going faster.
Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.
People can be really smart or have skills that are directly applicable, but if they don't really believe in it, then they are not going to really work hard.
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