QuoteProject
For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Change is inevitable, and focusing only on the past or present can hinder future opportunities.

This quote by John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of change as a fundamental aspect of life. It suggests that time does not pause, and while one may reflect on past experiences or the current state of affairs, an inability to embrace change will result in missed opportunities and a lack of progress. The message encourages an open-minded outlook towards the future, highlighting the necessity of adapting to new circumstances to achieve growth and success.

Themes

ChangeFutureTimeLifeAdaptation

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about embracing new challenges in our careers.

More from John F. Kennedy

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.
John F. KennedyRead
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.
John F. KennedyRead
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.
John F. KennedyRead
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.
John F. KennedyRead
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
John F. KennedyRead
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
John F. KennedyRead

Similar quotes

...we're told by TV and Reader's Digest that a crisis will trigger massive personal change--and that those big changes will make the pain worthwhile. But from what he could see, big change almost never happens. People simply feel lost. They have no idea what to say or do or feel or think. they become messes and tend to remain messes.
Douglas CouplandRead
Nothing is constant but change! All existence is a perpetual flux of "being and becoming!" That is the broad lesson of the evolution of the world.
Ernst HaeckelRead
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
Andy WarholRead
Who would have thought that the girl who was forced to go to the hospital because she's so skinny would one day be called too fat?
Tyra BanksRead
Black people are the magical faces at the bottom of society's well. Even the poorest whites, those who must live their lives only a few levels above, gain their self-esteem by gazing down on us. Surely, they must know that their deliverance depends on letting down their ropes. Only by working together is escape possible. Over time, many reach out, but most simply watch, mesmerized into maintaining their unspoken commitment to keeping us where we are, at whatever cost to them or to us (Bell).
Derrick BellRead
Egypt needs to catch up with the rest of the world. We need to be free, democratic, and - society where people have the right to live in freedom and dignity.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.