Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-047-041
This folder contains materials collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning President Kennedy's address during a ceremony at Amherst College granting the President an honorary degree and for the ground-breaking of the Robert Frost Library. In his speech the President describes the role of an artist in society, noting Frost's contributions to American arts, culture, and ideology. He discusses the nature of strength and power, famously stating, "When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses." Materials in this folder include note cards and drafts of the speech by Special Assistant to the President and speechwriter Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., in addition to a program for the ceremony and correspondence from the Syracuse University Library. Of note are several items with handwritten notations by the President.