The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Political leadership
For, in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, ‘holds office’ every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve.
John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage · 1956

Quotes

“For what Pericles said to the Athenians has long been true of this commonwealth: ’We do not imitate—for we are a model to others.’”

John F. Kennedy · The City Upon a Hill Speech, 1961 · Primary source

“Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us—and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state and local, must be as a city upon a hill—constructed and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities.”

John F. Kennedy · The City Upon a Hill Speech, 1961 · Primary source

“Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”

John F. Kennedy · Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy, 1961 · Primary source

“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it.”

John F. Kennedy · Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy, 1961 · Primary source

Works

John F. Kennedy · 1956
Profiles in Courage

Eight studies of US senators who risked popularity, party support or political careers by taking positions they believed were right.

Read summary·Explore 5 quotes
John F. Kennedy · 1961
The City Upon a Hill Speech

A farewell address to Massachusetts setting out Kennedy’s standards for public leadership as he prepared to assume the US presidency.

Read summary·Explore 3 quotes

Related Tags

Civic responsibility 4 Political participation 1 Public accountability 2 Popular sovereignty 4 Massachusetts 2 Pericles 2 Civic example 1 Public responsibility 1 Public service 7 Government accountability 1 City upon a hill 1 Generational change 2 Cold War 30 Human rights 5 National continuity 1 Freedom 15 Responsibility 27 Civic duty 4 Political courage 3 US Senate 1 Representative government 2 Conscience 12 John Winthrop 1