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Conscience Quote by John F. Kennedy

“when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same.” quote by John F. Kennedy
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“when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same.”

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks on Public Service, 1962

A public servant should quit if duties clash with conscience or national interest.

In simple terms: Resign when duty conflicts with ethics.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize integrity over position.

Themes

ethics public service integrity

Mood

reflective determined

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • government work
  • military service
  • policy making

Key Concepts

conscience national interest resignation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conscience with public duty?
  • When is staying in office justified?
A Different Perspective

Resignation may not solve systemic issues.

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