Inauguration Address, January 20, 1961 Quotes
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Source: Inauguration Address, January 20, 1961
Speaker: John F. Kennedy
"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
Context
John F. Kennedy was a president with charisma made for TV. He trounced Nixon in debates in front of millions, and his inaugural address, the first televised in color, might be the most memorable of all time.
If only TV had been invented in Lincoln's time...
Where you've heard it
Outside of history class, this quote has been co-opted and altered by everyone from Brown University, business training seminar slideshows, and Christian bloggers.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
This is a classic call-to-action quote. Get out there and do something!