First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. I believe we should go to the moon. But there is no sense in agreeing or desiring that the United States take an affirmative position in outer space, unless we are prepared to do the work and bear the burdens to make it successful.

Summary

This quote, spoken by President John F. Kennedy in a 1961 speech, demonstrates his determination and firm belief in the importance of space exploration. He asserts that the United States should set a clear goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him back safely. However, Kennedy emphasizes that this ambition must be accompanied by the necessary effort and commitment to make it a reality. In essence, he highlights the futility of merely expressing a desire for progress without taking the necessary actions to achieve it.