What famous words did JFK say?

Asked by: Nelle Goldner  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 5/5 (56 votes)

John F. Kennedy's famous quotes center on service, hope, and responsibility, with his most iconic being, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country," from his 1961 Inaugural Address, inspiring civic duty and sacrifice. Other memorable lines include, "Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind," highlighting global challenges, and the optimistic, "The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining," emphasizing proactive action.

What was JFK's famous saying?

"Ask not what your country can do for you... ask what you can do for your country." "All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, not in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.

What was John F. Kennedy's catchphrase?

John F. Kennedy's key slogans focused on progress, new leadership, and national purpose, with famous campaign lines like "Forward with Kennedy," "Leadership for the 60's," and the enduring inaugural call to action: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country". He also championed the idea of a "New Frontier," urging Americans to embrace new challenges for a greater future, emphasizing vision, peace, and responsibility. 

What is the most famous quote ever said?

There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders include iconic lines like Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage," and famous advice like "If you can dream it, you can do it" (Walt Disney) or "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates), often cited for their profound impact and widespread recognition. 

What is the most famous quote by a president?

While "most famous" is subjective, John F. Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country," Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," and Abraham Lincoln's quotes (like "A house divided against itself cannot stand") are consistently cited as among the most iconic presidential statements for their impact and memorability.
 

JFK Famous Quotes

22 related questions found

What was JFK's leadership quote?

What is JFK's most famous leadership quote? Kennedy's most famous quote is "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" from his 1961 inaugural address.

What is the wisest quote ever?

There's no single "wisest quote ever," as wisdom is subjective, but contenders often center on humility, self-awareness, and action, with Socrates' "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" being a classic for acknowledging limits, while Confucius' "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change" highlights adaptability, and Maya Angelou's "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" emphasizes personal power. Other profound ideas include focusing on empathy, learning from failure, and taking courageous action, as seen in quotes from Gandhi, Oprah, and Peter Drucker. 

What is the greatest line of all time?

A jury consisting of 1,500 film artists, critics, and historians selected "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", spoken by Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the 1939 American Civil War epic Gone with the Wind, as the most memorable American movie quotation of all time.

What is a cool 3-word quote?

Cool three-word quotes offer powerful inspiration, focusing on action, mindset, or simplicity, with examples like "Just do it," "Live, laugh, love," "Keep moving forward," "Believe you can," and "Make it count," covering themes from achieving dreams to appreciating life,. 

What was John F. Kennedy's slogan?

John F. Kennedy's key slogans focused on progress, new leadership, and national purpose, with famous campaign lines like "Forward with Kennedy," "Leadership for the 60's," and the enduring inaugural call to action: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country". He also championed the idea of a "New Frontier," urging Americans to embrace new challenges for a greater future, emphasizing vision, peace, and responsibility. 

What were John F. Kennedy's final words?

Nellie Connally turned and commented to Kennedy, who was sitting behind her, "Mr. President, they can't make you believe now that there are not some in Dallas who love and appreciate you, can they?" Kennedy's reply – "No, they sure can't" – were his last words.

What did JFK say about Thomas Jefferson?

Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.

What was JFK's most powerful speech?

Today "A Strategy of Peace" is considered one of Kennedy's greatest and most powerful speeches. An excerpt from the speech is available to listen to at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Archives.

What did JFK say about courage?

“Without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.” “A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.”

What was the famous speech in 1963?

"I Have a Dream" is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist and Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. In the speech, King called for civil and economic rights and an end to legalized racism in the United States.

What is the most famous saying?

15 famous quotes in English

  • "Well done is better than well said" ...
  • "Once you choose hope, anything's possible" ...
  • "Try it again. ...
  • "Start wide, expand further, and never look back" ...
  • "You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough" ...
  • "Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye"

What is the deepest quote ever?

Deep quotes often explore life's meaning, human nature, and personal growth, emphasizing experience over solution ("Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced" - Soren Kierkegaard), finding strength in vulnerability ("When we hit our lowest point we are open to the greatest change" - Reddit user), the power of kindness ("No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" - Aesop), and embracing change ("The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, and the realist adjusts the sails" - Proverb). 

What is the most powerful line?

There's no single "most powerful line," as impact is subjective, but top contenders often center on inner strength, choice, and action, like Gandhi's "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," Viktor Frankl's "Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'," or Winston Churchill's "If you're going through hell, keep going". These lines emphasize personal agency, resilience, and the power of purpose to overcome adversity. 

What is the best line for life?

The "best" line for life depends on your perspective, but popular choices emphasize living fully ("Love the life you live"), finding purpose ("He who has a why to live can bear almost any how"), embracing challenges ("Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain"), and self-creation ("Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself"). Ultimately, many agree life is about attitude, action, and appreciating the journey. 

What are 5 words of wisdom?

5 Words of Wisdom that Guarantee Success

  • Pursue Passion More Than Profit. One message I heard again and again from my mentor regarding my career was to pursue passion over profits. ...
  • Hard Work Beats Talent. ...
  • Excellence, Not Perfection. ...
  • Big is Little and Little is Big. ...
  • You Choose Your Spouse, Not Your Child.

What is a wise old saying?

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it. Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).

What is the best motto in life?

Life Motto Examples:

  • Weaknesses are just your few strengths unconquered.
  • Lead others, serve others, and maintain integrity.
  • Be lovely, be loyal, and live enchantingly.
  • God has your back, just keep faith.
  • Remain receptive. Let faith be your guide.
  • Today makes you who you are tomorrow.
  • Appreciate Life. ...
  • Be happy.

What is the most beautiful quote in the world?

Famous Quotes

  • “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” —Helen Keller.
  • “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.” —

What is the most famous line in history?

10 most famous quotes of all time

  • "I have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
  • "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - ...
  • "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - ...
  • "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." -