probably the greatest concentration of talent and genius in this house except for perhaps those times when Thomas Jefferson ate alone.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the exceptional talent present in a specific place, with a humorous nod to Thomas Jefferson's solitary dining.
John F. Kennedy's quote emphasizes the remarkable intellect and creativity that can be found in a particular gathering or environment, suggesting that despite the presence of many talented individuals, there have been moments of solitude that even great minds like Thomas Jefferson experienced. It serves as a reminder of both the brilliance of collaboration and the importance of individual reflection.
In practice
During a toast at a gathering of scholars.
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.
It is the mark of a good action that it appears inevitable in retrospect.
I know now that what makes a fool is an inability to take even his own good advice.
Here's why this matters: Studies show that a person who is interrupted takes 50 percent longer to accomplish a task. Not only that, he or she makes up to 50 percent more errors.
Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray, "This is my work; my blessing, not my doom; Of all who live, I am the one by whom This work can best be done in the right way."
A purified mind can grasp anything. It can dive deep into the subtlest subject and understand even transcendental things.
There is giant untapped potential in disagreement, especially if the disagreement is between two or more thoughtful people
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