“The world knows that America will never start a war. This generation of Americans has had enough of war and hate… we want to build a world of peace where the weak are secure and the strong are just.”
- 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 world knows that America will never start a war. This generation of Americans has had enough of war and hate… we want to build a world of peace where the weak are secure and the strong are just.”
Explanation
In this quote, John F. Kennedy articulates a vision for a peaceful world order and a commitment to diplomacy over military aggression. His words reflect the ethos of a generation weary of the devastation brought by World War II and the Korean War, and wary of further entanglement in conflicts like the Vietnam War, which was beginning to escalate during his presidency. Kennedy reassures the world that America, as a leading global power, would never initiate conflict—a powerful statement at a time when the Cold War was intensifying, with the threat of nuclear war looming over much of the world.
The statement also underscores a key moral principle that Kennedy sought to emphasize: a just world where the strong protect the weak, but not through domination or force. Rather, he envisions a global system where peace and justice prevail, and where nations work together to create stability and security for all. This reflects his broader vision for American leadership on the world stage, particularly through initiatives like the Peace Corps, which promoted international cooperation and humanitarian efforts.
This quote resonates deeply in the context of post-World War II ideals, especially in light of the United Nations and the growing desire for international peacekeeping efforts. Kennedy’s call for a world where the strong are just and the weak are secure aligns with his broader philosophy of “peace through strength”—the idea that military power should be used responsibly, primarily as a deterrent to aggression, and that diplomatic efforts and international alliances are the primary means of securing global peace. In today’s world, where issues like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and international human rights continue to be pressing concerns, Kennedy’s vision of a more just and secure world remains a powerful call to action, reminding nations to prioritize peace and justice, even in the face of global tensions.
