“The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.”
- 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.
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Quote
“The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.”
Explanation
In this statement, John F. Kennedy acknowledges the difficulties and risks inherent in defending freedom, especially during times of crisis or conflict. He emphasizes that while the cost of freedom—in terms of resources, lives, and national effort—is always steep, it is a price that Americans have been willing to pay throughout their history. Kennedy’s declaration reflects a commitment to liberty and a refusal to compromise on the nation’s core values, even when faced with immense challenges.
The historical context of this quote likely refers to the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. During this time, the U.S. was involved in various global struggles—including the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the growing conflict in Vietnam—where the principles of freedom and democracy were pitted against the expansion of communist ideology. Kennedy’s words convey a message of resolve and strength, reiterating that, despite the costs, the United States would never back down in the face of tyranny or oppression.
Kennedy’s statement remains relevant today, especially when reflecting on the moral and strategic choices facing nations in the context of international relations and conflict resolution. The idea that the price of freedom is high but must be paid to maintain national sovereignty and security continues to shape discussions around military engagement, human rights, and diplomacy. Moreover, his rejection of surrender or submission serves as a reminder that, in times of crisis, courageous leadership is necessary to ensure that a nation does not lose its integrity or freedom to external threats or internal forces of oppression.
