I can assure you that every degree of mind and spirit that I possess will be devoted to the long-range interests of the United States and to the cause of freedom around the world.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a commitment to serving the interests of the United States and promoting global freedom.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy emphasizes his dedication to the American people and the broader mission of advancing freedom globally. He asserts that his entire mental and emotional capacity will be focused on ensuring the long-term well-being of the United States, indicating the responsibility leaders have to prioritize the interests of their nation while also advocating for universal principles of freedom.
In practice
This quote can be used at a leadership conference to inspire public servants to devote themselves to their country's interests.
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.
A good leader leads from the front. Don't get stuck in the office. Get out, meet people and listen to their stories.
I want to stand up for people who look like me and feel like they don't have a voice. And I'm lucky enough that some people in the world care about what I have to say. So I try to make sure that I say it and say in a correct way, or in a way that people understand.
No one is innocent after the experience of governing. But not everyone is guilty.
We should not be focusing on quick solutions. The really important concern for policymakers everywhere is to prevent disasters - that is, the outlier events that matter the most.
Hold it more important to have the players' confidence than their affection.
Ironically, when a bunch of very smart people are sitting around a table for hours trying to figure out whether they should do something, that tends to not necessarily lead to the best results.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.