And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

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

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.

—John F. Kennedy

patriotism

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.

—John F. Kennedy

opportunity

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

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

—John F. Kennedy

leadership

More quotations tagged with “patriotism”

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.

—John F. Kennedy

patriotism

We would rather starve than sell our national honor.

—John Adams

patriotism

The single best augury is to fight for one's country.

—Indira Gandhi

patriotism

It is not unseemly for a man to die fighting in defense of his country.

—Homer

patriotism

Whenever you hear a man speak of his love for his country, it is a sign that he expects to be paid for it.

—Homer

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History

11 Jul 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.