Amherst College, October 26, 1963

In honor of Robert Frost, who died the January before this speech was given, John F. Kennedy outlined the significance of art in society. 


---I see this as one of my favorite speeches because of Kennedy's analyzation of an artist, the role they play.


He states artists have "great sensitivity and concern for justice"--- 


"The artist, however faithful to his personal vision of reality, becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an officious state. The great artist is thus a solitary figure. He has, as Frost said, a lover's quarrel with the world. In pursuing his perceptions of reality, he must often sail against the currents of his time. This is not a popular role. If Robert Frost was much honored in his lifetime, it was because a good many preferred to ignore his darker truths. Yet in retrospect, we see how the artist's fidelity has strengthened the fibre of our national life."


....."

Robert Frost was often skeptical about projects for human improvement, yet I do not think he would disdain this hope. As he wrote during the uncertain days of the Second War:

Take human nature altogether since time began . . .
And it must be a little more in favor of man,
Say a fraction of one percent at the very least . . .
Our hold on this planet wouldn't have so increased.

Because of Mr. Frost's life and work, because of the life and work of this college, our hold on this planet has increased."

Just this recognition in general is great because sometimes the arts do not feel like respected/ taken seriously. Especially in some public school systems where art classes are low budget class in a back room of the gym, just there for a credit purposes. But in this speech JFK  really pushes for improvement in the art world, advancement---growth.