Nearly forty years ago, a distinguished Prime Minister of this country ... said, 'They may not be angels but they are at least our friends.'* I must say that I do not think that we probably demonstrated in that forty years that we are angels yet, but I hope we have demonstrated that we are at least friends.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of friendship and the value of being supportive rather than perfect.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy reflects on the relationship between political entities, suggesting that while nations may not always act in an angelic manner, the essence of their interaction should be based on mutual friendship and support. It conveys the idea that imperfect allies can still maintain a bond of trust and cooperation, highlighting that friendship can often be a more realistic and valuable aspiration than moral perfection.
In practice
In a speech about international relations, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of alliances.
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.
there was not much distinction between losing a friend and a lover: it was all about intimacy. One moment, you had someone to share your biggest triumph, and fatal flaws with; the next minute, you had to keep them bottled inside.
I'm a good son, a good father, a good husband - I've been married to the same woman for 30 years. I'm a good friend. I finished college, I have my education, I donate money anonymously. So when people criticize the kind of characters that I play on screen, I go, 'You know, that's part of history.'
Often, instead of offering empathy, we have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling.
There's almost nothing that hasn't been said about me. But there's an awful lot that I haven't said. I don't talk about private things.
We do not covet anything from any nation except their respect.
We don't get to know people when they come to us; we must go to them to find out what they are like.
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