“A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public life is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in its chosen leaders today – and in fact we have forgotten.”
- May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
- American
- Politician
- As the 35th President of the United States, he overcame the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted nuclear war, and promoted the Apollo program, laying the foundation for American space exploration.
Quote
“A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public life is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in its chosen leaders today – and in fact we have forgotten.”
Explanation
In this quote, John F. Kennedy reflects on the decline of courage as a valued trait in public leadership. He warns that when a society forgets the importance of courageous leadership, it becomes less likely to demand or recognize such qualities in its leaders. Courage, in this context, refers not just to physical bravery, but to the moral and political fortitude required to make difficult decisions, challenge the status quo, and stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity or public opposition.
Kennedy’s remark is a subtle critique of his own era, pointing to a political climate that may have been more focused on expedient solutions and avoiding conflict rather than taking bold actions that could result in long-term, meaningful change. The backdrop of the Cold War, with its emphasis on nuclear deterrence and political maneuvering, created a political environment where courage, in its purest form, seemed to take a back seat to strategic compromises and diplomacy.
In today’s world, this quote can resonate in the face of political complacency and inertia. Leaders who fail to address pressing issues such as climate change, income inequality, and political polarization may be seen as lacking the courage to make hard decisions. Just as in Kennedy’s time, societies today must be vigilant in remembering the necessity of courageous leadership—leaders who are willing to take risks, face criticism, and act with integrity, especially when the stakes are high.
