A wall is a hell of a lot better than a war.
Interpretation
Prioritizing dialogue and barriers over violent conflict is essential for maintaining peace.
This quote by John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of non-violent solutions to conflicts. A wall symbolizes a boundary that can prevent conflict or war, suggesting that it is preferable to have divisions that keep peace rather than engaging in destructive warfare that results in loss and suffering. It reflects the belief that it is better to have separation and negotiation than to escalate disagreements into violent confrontations.
In practice
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might quote Kennedy to emphasize the value of peace over war.
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.
Through unity of action we can be a veritable colossus in support of peace. No one can defeat us unless we first defeat ourselves. Every one of us must be guided by this truth.
A world free of nuclear weapons will be safer and more prosperous.
The basis for peace is respecting all creatures.
When I look at my goal, my goal is peace.
Peace cannot be built on exclusivism, absolutism, and intolerance. But neither can it be built on vague liberal slogans and pious programs gestated in the smoke of confabulation. There can be no peace on earth without the kind of inner change that brings man back to his "right mind." p. 31
War will stop when we no longer praise it, or give it any attention at all. Peace will come wherever it is sincerely invited.
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