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Nearly forty years ago, a distinguished Prime Minister of…

“Nearly forty years ago, a distinguished Prime Minister of this country ... said, 'They may not be angels but they are at least our friends.'* I must say that I do not think that we probably demonstrated in that forty years that we are angels yet, but I hope we have demonstrated that we are at…” quote by John F. Kennedy
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“Nearly forty years ago, a distinguished Prime Minister of this country ... said, 'They may not be angels but they are at least our friends.'* I must say that I do not think that we probably demonstrated in that forty years that we are angels yet, but I hope we have demonstrated that we are at least friends.”

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Even if we are imperfect, we can still act as friends, emphasizing solidarity over perfection.

In simple terms: We can be friends despite flaws.

Key Takeaway

Focus on collective goodwill over perfection.

Themes

friendship solidarity imperfection

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • international diplomacy
  • community building
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

human fallibility global cooperation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we nurture friendship across cultures?
  • What limits does imperfection place on trust?
A Different Perspective

Friendship may be challenged by differing values.

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