On History, by John F. Kennedy

Kennedy’s comments, written more than 60 years ago, pertain not only to the time period in which he was leading the nation, but to all the historical eras of American History. It’s interesting to explore the relationship between the leaders of the time and the events of the time, analyzing what polarizing presidents said before, during, and at the end of their time as leader of the United States. Although this collection includes speeches from Washington, Lincoln, Nixon, Reagan, and Obama, the words and actions of any historical figure—president or otherwise—could be analyzed in light of Kennedy’s observations. Kennedy’s passage could be used to begin and to end any history course.