Carl Sagan - Be best? Give your best? | HISTORY

“If we are not able to ask skeptical questions, to interrogate those who tell us that something is true, to be skeptical of those in authority, then we're up for grabs for the next charlatan - political or religious - who comes ambling along. It’s a thing that Jefferson laid great stress on. It wasn't enough to enshrine some rights in a Constitution or a Bill of Rights. The People had to be educated and they had to practice their skepticism and their education. Otherwise, we don't run the government, the government runs us.”This video contains interesting slightly different remarks not often heard. - The Presidential Oath of Office is found in Article II of the United States Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Every American President beginning with George Washington has sworn this Oath. - “When things seem hopeless, be the hope, to bring into existence.” ("Als de dingen hopeloos lijken, wees dan de hoop, om tot bestaan te brengen.") - “Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm; but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.” - T.S. Eliot, The Cocktail Party, 1950. - “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do — for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.” “So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.” - John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961. - JFK: “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of Liberty. To those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge, but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace. Remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof, let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us, instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need, not as a call to battle, though embattled we are, but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. And, so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what, together, we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking his blessing and his help, but knowing that, here on Earth, God's work must truly be our own.” - John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961. - N.B. This video is only intended as a COMMENT, SUPPLEMENT or CORRECTION and does not give any ADVICE or OVERALL PICTURE on the basis of which you should make your choices. - You are welcome to share your own Tips in the comments. - Wise Up, Hold On, Stay Safe, Stay Fit, Stay Happy and Take Care ! Thank YOU ! P.S. Conversations are not Dictations. Educate or be educated. 🙃 - Kids telephone talk https://www.kindertelefoon.nl/ Bullied? Problem at home or just feeling bad: 0800-0432 (each day from 11:00-21:00).