Purely personal wishes and dreams can benefit society as a whole and strengthen the nation
Kennedy’s “deal of the century” was, at its core, an expression of free-market principles, demonstrating that the pursuit of private interests does not necessarily conflict with the public good.
Author: GUDORDI | 2024-10-24
The President of the United States is arguably the most powerful man on earth. (Shutterstock)
且讓我們視教育為發展我們最大潛能的方法。因為在我們每個人的心底裏，都有着一些純粹私人的願望和夢想，而一旦這些夢想可以得以實現，它們是可以轉化成對所有其他人的裨益，並增強着整個國家的力量。一個人已是足夠可以帶來分別，而我們每個人都應該作這樣的嘗試。Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation. One person can make a difference and everyone should try.
──甘迺迪（J.F. Kennedy）
正如筆者在上回提到，甘迺迪是一很特別的美國總統。儘管他在最初兩年的施政不是太順利，但他在任內最後的400天內，卻是開展了多個對後世十分重要的第一步，這包括航天探索、民權運動、美蘇關係、教育理念、對藝術和詩人的重視等。無論怎樣，甘迺迪是很少數對於美國本土內政和外交，以及美國這個社會國家的長遠使命是有着一自成一格、連貫統一的全面看法的美國總統。他就任的時間雖然只有1037天，但他對後世的影響應是遠為大。不少現在和將來的歷史學者相信是會同意這看法的。
Kennedy: A President with the Soul of a Poet
Niccolò Machiavelli famously stated in The Prince that a ruler must possess the qualities of both a lion and a fox. But what qualities are required to become President of the United States? Looking back at history, American presidents have come from diverse backgrounds—some were politicians, soldiers, scholars, businessmen, lawyers, thinkers, or members of aristocratic families. Yet, one of the rarest types is the poet. In fact, throughout human history, very few politicians have exhibited the temperament of a poet. From this perspective, Kennedy was a rare exception—one of the very few American presidents with a poetic nature. While poetry and politics may seem incompatible, they can, in many ways, complement each other in unexpected and profound ways.
As Kennedy himself once said, “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.” This statement offers a deep insight into the intersection of leadership and artistry. Years later, President Reagan made a strikingly different yet equally reflective remark: “Someone said that politics is the second-oldest profession. I am beginning to think it bears a resemblance to the first.” Though their words seem to convey different sentiments, together they offer a compelling perspective on the nature of politics and the role of the U.S. president—ideas that are worth contemplating.
A Groundbreaking Speech on Peace
The United States is a unique nation, and its president holds an unparalleled position of power—one that can, at times, influence the trajectory of human civilization itself. One significant example is the relationship between the Soviet Union and the West during the Cold War.
During that era, both the Soviet Union and the West painted each other as existential threats, locked in an irreconcilable struggle. In this context, Kennedy’s peace strategy speech was nothing short of revolutionary. It demonstrated a long-term vision for the well-being of all humanity, grounded in fairness, justice, and the pursuit of common ground. At its core, the speech called for a future built on mutually beneficial agreements—one that prioritized cooperation over conflict.
Can the Pursuit of Private Desires Serve the Public Good?
Kennedy’s “deal of the century” can, in many ways, be seen as an act of the free market, illustrating that the pursuit of private interests does not necessarily conflict with the public good. More significantly, a closer look at Kennedy’s words reveals his deep belief that striving for personal dreams and ambitions is not only morally justifiable but can also generate widespread benefits, strengthening the nation as a whole.
Furthermore, Kennedy went a step further by asserting that unlocking one’s full potential is the true purpose of education. Though he did not explicitly state it, his vision echoed one of the founding principles of the United States—the idea that every American should have the freedom and encouragement to pursue their dreams. Could this very principle be a key driver of America’s strength and social dynamism? I will explore this further.
