John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

“And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”

The idea that rights derive from a higher power than politics is ancient, dating to classical antiquity. Formulated by Roman orator Cicero (106-43 BCE) and often called Natural Law, this idea was a foundational belief of the Roman Catholicism in which Kennedy was raised—that people all have rights from God or nature that no person or state can take away. This was a core belief of the American Founders too. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that humans had rights from their creator, not from their kings.

“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—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.”

Kennedy uses the famous metaphor of the torch to unite the present generation with the past, expressing the theme of Historical Continuity. The passage also links the US and other nations, establishing global continuity, since the new generation is committed to human rights both “at home and around the world.” This quote is echoed in Paragraph 26 when Kennedy compares the role of America in spreading freedom and democracy to a fire that can “light the world.” The image of passing the torch became one of the great mental emblems of the 1960s. Many of the millions of young Americans who became politically involved in that decade felt that Kennedy had spoken to them personally in that phrase. He had passed the torch to them.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

Kennedy highlights his commitment to spreading freedom around the world but also notes the sacrifices needed to achieve these goals. The vow to “pay any price” became a mantra for American soldiers in Vietnam and then an embittered refrain for many disillusioned veterans of that conflict, who felt that they had paid the price Kennedy asked, only to be spurned by some fellow Americans when the war became unpopular.

“We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom—and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.”

Kennedy emphasizes the importance of respecting the sovereignty and autonomy of other nations rather than seeking to impose American values on them. By using the metaphor of being eaten by a tiger (versus riding the back of one), Kennedy suggests that seeking power through force and manipulation can ultimately lead to destructive consequences.

“To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required—not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

Kennedy highlights his commitment to addressing poverty and inequality around the world. He believes that America has a moral obligation to help those less fortunate, regardless of their political affiliations.

“To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds—in a new alliance for progress—to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.”

Kennedy proposes a policy reset in Latin America, a part of the developing world in which the US has been a dominating power. Fidel Castro’s Cuban revolution had recently undermined American influence there. To offset Castro’s charisma in the region, Kennedy outlines what he later enacted—an Alliance for Progress—and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, continued it. The program provided both economic and military assistance to nations committed to democracy and private property.

“We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

Kennedy emphasizes the importance of military strength as a deterrent against potential threats. He suggests that weakness or vulnerability can invite aggression and conflict, whereas a show of strength can prevent it. By using the phrase “sufficient beyond doubt,” Kennedy suggests that the US must be prepared for any potential threat. He does not favor unilateral disarmament or appeasement. In his view, a weak America is a greater threat to world peace and order than a strong one.

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

Kennedy expresses his belief in the power of dialogue to resolve conflicts and bridge differences between nations. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of strength and national will in international relations. He urges Americans to pursue diplomacy without compromising their principles.

“Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.”

Kennedy addresses the Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviet Union, urging both sides to focus on their shared goals and concerns rather than on their differences. By using the verb “belaboring,” Kennedy suggests that time and energy are wasted in disagreements instead of being used for constructive dialogue and cooperation.

“Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.”

Kennedy offers a moving tribute to technology’s benefits, underscoring the positive side of humanity’s progress. With this inspiring passage, Kennedy transitions into the final section of his speech—calling US citizens to action. A somewhat romantic faith in the power of science and technology took America to the moon by the end of the 1960s but also led to tragic national overconfidence in the Vietnam War.

“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.”

Kennedy recognizes the magnitude of the challenge facing the US in the Cold War. By using the words “history,” “world,” and “freedom,” he interweaves in one sentence all three of his main themes. In this same passage, Kennedy also conveys that freedom is a duty, not just a right.

“The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.”

Kennedy speaks of the potential for the US to serve as an example for all the nations of the earth. In doing so, he reprises the image of American freedom as a torch, or fire (Paragraph 4).

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

This famous line from Kennedy’s inaugural address captures the spirit of public service and sacrifice that Kennedy wanted to inspire in the American people. The line amplifies the idea he emphasized in the previous paragraph—that citizenship is not just a privilege but also a responsibility.