“Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.”
- 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
“Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.”
Explanation
In this wry observation, John F. Kennedy humorously reflects on the public perception of politics and political leadership. His remark plays on the common aspiration of many parents, particularly mothers, who hope their children will achieve great things, with the presidency being the pinnacle of success in American life. However, Kennedy highlights the contradiction between this ambition and the reality of what it takes to achieve such a position. The political process often involves compromise, manipulation, and a certain level of self-interest, which can make politics appear morally compromised and unappealing, especially to those who are not directly involved.
Kennedy’s comment reveals a subtle critique of the public’s view of politicians—that while people admire the end result (e.g., the presidency), they are often wary of the means by which politicians achieve power. Politics can be seen as a dirty game, where maintaining personal integrity and staying true to one’s principles can be a challenge. The comment is a playful way of suggesting that the ideal of the presidency is often more romanticized than the reality of being a politician, which involves navigating complex and sometimes unsavory political landscapes.
This remark is still relevant today, especially in the context of the public’s disillusionment with politics. Many voters admire politicians for their accomplishments but simultaneously express frustration with the compromises and political maneuvering required to succeed. The paradox remains: people desire strong, principled leaders, but often resist the political realities that are necessary to achieve such leadership. In this light, Kennedy’s observation is a clever commentary on the public’s complex relationship with politics—simultaneously wanting the benefits of political success while rejecting the process that makes it possible.
