John F. Kennedy on Poetry
← Back to John F. Kennedy Profile
“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.”
“When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.”