The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger—but recognize the opportunity.

About John F. Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), also known as JFK, was the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Massachusetts in both houses of the U.S. Congress before his presidency. Kennedy...

More quotations from John F. Kennedy

The great French Marshall Lyautey once asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that the tree was slow growing and would not reach maturity for 100 years. The Marshall replied, 'In that case, there is no time to lose; plant it this afternoon!

—John F. Kennedy

time

Nothing is as far away as one minute ago.

—John F. Kennedy

time

Faith in the ability of a leader is of slight service unless it be united with faith in his justice.

—John F. Kennedy

leadership

The day is for honest men, the night for thieves.

—John F. Kennedy

honesty

Before my term has ended, we shall have to test anew whether a nation organized and governed such as ours can endure. The outcome is by no means certain.

—John F. Kennedy

government

More quotations tagged with “opportunity”

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.

—James F. Byrnes

opportunity

Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes.

—Henry J. Kaiser

opportunity

There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity.

—General Douglas Macarthur

opportunity

You have to recognize when the right place and the right time fuse and take advantage of that opportunity. There are plenty of opportunities out there. You can't sit back and wait.

—Ellen Metcalf

opportunity

Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.

—Demosthenes

opportunity

History

11 Jul 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity.