Bail Quote by John F. Kennedy
“If somebody harbours delusions, I think that should disqualify them from office, regardless whether the delusions are religious. Letting someone who thinks the god Jehovah will bail him out serve in public office is like letting a man who believes in Santa Claus run a Toys 'R Us. The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address on Truth and Myth, 1962
Delusional beliefs, especially religious ones, should disqualify individuals from public office because myths replace critical thinking with comforting falsehoods.
In simple terms: Myths in leaders prevent honest thought and should bar them from office.
Key Takeaway
Reject leaders who rely on myths.
Themes
politics
truth
mythology
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy making
- public discourse
- leadership vetting
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
secular governance
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies identify myth‑driven leaders?
- What safeguards protect against myth‑based governance?
A Different Perspective
Myths can be deeply ingrained and hard to expose.
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