We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.
Interpretation
Art should reveal the truth rather than serve as a tool for propaganda.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy emphasizes the distinction between art and propaganda, advocating for art as a medium that expresses genuine truths about the human experience rather than a means to manipulate or convey specific political ideas. He believes that the essence of art lies in its ability to reflect reality and evoke meaningful connections rather than being used for deceiving purposes.
In practice
In a discussion about the role of art in society, this quote can highlight the importance of authenticity in creative endeavors.
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 cool thing about dope black style becoming in style is that the industry has no choice but to try and reduplicate that.
But don't tell me I'm not sensitive to beauty. That's my Achilles' heel, and don't you forget it. To me, everything is beautiful. Show me a pink sunset and I'm limp, by God.
But, in each case, as a filmmaker who's been given sizable budgets with which to work, I feel a responsibility to the audience to be shooting with the absolute highest quality technology that I can and make the film in a way that I want.
That's the thing about musicians: The priority is to create something new that's never been before. And you put your life on the line every time that you play.
The object, which is back of every true work of art, is the attainment of a state of being, a state of high functioning, a more than ordinary moment of existence. In such moments activity is inevitable, and whether this activity is with brush, pen, chisel, or tongue, its result is but a by-product of the state, a trace, the footprint of the state.
It has bothered me all my life that I do not paint like everybody else.
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