War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.
Interpretation
War and peace are often viewed through the lens of societal values, where warriors are celebrated and conscientious objectors are undervalued.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy emphasizes that war is a persistent aspect of human society, and suggests that for true peace to be achieved, we must reach a point where those who refuse to engage in violence β the conscientious objectors β are held in the same high regard as those who fight in wars. This reflects a fundamental shift in societal values where peace and the choice of non-violence are revered as heroic traits rather than acts of cowardice, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating our perspectives on war and nobility.
In practice
In a speech advocating for peace, one could use this quote to emphasize the need for societal change in how we view soldiers and peace advocates.
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.
Take away the violence and who will hear the man of peace?
Settlements may be temporary, but the action of the nations in the interest of peace and justice must be permanent. We can set up permanent processes. We may not be able to set up permanent decisions.
The United States strongly seeks a lasting agreement for the discontinuance of nuclear weapons tests. We believe that this would be an important step toward reduction of international tensions and would open the way to further agreement on substantial measures of disarmament.
For all the civilians saved thanks to the presence of peacekeepers, there have been those who were lost - the United Nations personnel who sacrificed their lives for a noble cause. Even as we mourn our fallen colleagues, we are all uplifted by their unflinching commitment and are inspired to strive even harder for the collective cause so eloquently envisaged in the United Nations Charter: a world free from the scourge of war.
A world free of nuclear weapons will be safer and more prosperous.
Competition in armament, both land and naval, is not only a terrible burden upon the people, but I believe it to be one of the greatest menaces to the peace of the world.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.