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Better place Quote by John F. Kennedy

“Dont teach my boy poetry, an English mother recently wrote the Provost of Harrow. Dont teach my boy poetry; he is going to stand for Parliament. Well, perhaps she was rightbut if more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place to…” quote by John F. Kennedy
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“Dont teach my boy poetry, an English mother recently wrote the Provost of Harrow. Dont teach my boy poetry; he is going to stand for Parliament. Well, perhaps she was rightbut if more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place to live on this Commencement Day of 1956.”

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Commencement Address, Harvard University, 1956

Advocates for integrating poetry into politics, believing that artistic sensibility can improve governance.

In simple terms: Poetry can make politicians better and vice versa.

Key Takeaway

Encourage politicians to study poetry.

Themes

education politics art culture

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

speech persuasive

When to use this quote

  • graduation ceremonies
  • policy debates
  • literary workshops

Key Concepts

poetry political literacy civic engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How could poetry influence policy decisions?
  • What other arts could benefit politics?
A Different Perspective

Poetry alone won’t solve political problems; practical skills also matter.

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