Jun 7, 2026
When power leads man toward 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 truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgement.
John Kennedy (1917-1963), American Democratic politician, president, Speech at Amherst College, Massachusetts, 26 October 1963, Jay p.205
MEDITATION: Kennedy had a brilliant speechwriter in Ted Sorenson. But assuming Kennedy wrote these lines himself, are you remotely capable of anything similar? When did you last allow art to correct your ambition?
COMMENTARY: Art civilizes power by forcing it to see what it fears, the consequences. Kennedy’s words endure because they frame poetry not as a luxury but as restraint, which is the antidote to hubris, the overweening pride found in every generation of rulers.
