---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout…"
description: "\"“Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout history it has been used by those who could not prevail, either by persuasion or example. But inevitably they f..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/john-f-kennedy-246_history_terror-is-not-a-new-weapon-throughout-hi_1746914.jpg"
---

#  Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout history it has been…

![“Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout history it has been used by those who could not prevail, either by persuasion or example. But inevitably they fail, either because men are not afraid to die for a life worth living, or because the terrorists themselves came to realize that free men cannot be…” quote by John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/john-f-kennedy-246_history_terror-is-not-a-new-weapon-throughout-hi_1746914.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/john-f-kennedy-246_history_terror-is-not-a-new-weapon-throughout-hi_1746914.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/john-f-kennedy-246_history_terror-is-not-a-new-weapon-throughout-hi_1746914.jpg)

> ““Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout history it has been used by those who could not prevail, either by persuasion or example. But inevitably they fail, either because men are not afraid to die for a life worth living, or because the terrorists themselves came to realize that free men cannot be frightened by threats, and that aggression would meet its own response. And it is in the light of that history that every nation today should know, be he friend or foe, that the United States has both the will and the weapons to join free men in standing up to their responsibilities.””

[John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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.

Terrorism is a tool of the weak; free societies must respond with resolve and moral strength, not fear.

**In simple terms:** Terrorism is used by those who cannot win otherwise; free people must stand firm.

Key Takeaway

Stand firm against terror with moral courage.

Themes

terrorism freedom responsibility strength

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

- national defense
- international diplomacy
- civil liberties
- public safety
- terrorist threats

Key Concepts

political will ethical resolve global security

Questions to Reflect On

- How can societies balance security and liberty?
- What non‑violent strategies can counter terror?

A Different Perspective

Overreliance on force can undermine freedoms.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Free men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-men/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life worth living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-worth-living/) [Terrorism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/terrorism/) [Worth living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worth-living/)

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