1/John F. Kennedy Quotations

The Arts „If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place in which to live.“ -- Speech at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 14 June 1956. Papers of John F. Kennedy. Pre-Presidential Papers. Senate Files. Series 12.1. Speech Files, 1953-1960, Box 895, Folder: „Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 14 June 1956,“ John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. „There is a connection, hard to explain logically but easy to feel, between achievement in public life and progress in the arts. The age of Pericles was also the age of Phidias. The age of Lorenzo de Medici was also the age of Leonardo da Vinci. The age Elizabeth also the age of Shakespeare. And the New Frontier for which I campaign in public life, can also be a New Frontier for American art.“ --Response to letter sent by Miss Theodate Johnson, Publisher of Musical America to the two presidential candidates requesting their views on music in relation to the Federal Government and domestic world affairs. Then-Senator John Kennedy's answer was dated September 13, 1960 and published in the October issue of the magazine. „... I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.“ --„Remarks at a Closed-circuit Television Broadcast on Behalf of the National Cultural Center (527),“ November 29, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962. „To further the appreciation of culture among all the people, to increase respect for the creative individual, to widen participation by all the processes and fulfillments of art - this is one of the fascinating challenges of these days.“ --"LOOK magazine, 'The Arts in America' (552)," December 18, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.