“We Choose To Go To The Moon...”

"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." —President John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy’s 1962 “We choose to go to the Moon ” speech is one of history’s most iconic moments, a rallying cry for American ambition, ingenuity, and the will to do what is hard. Kennedy, speaking at Rice University , addressed the monumental challenge of sending a human to the Moon. His words were not just about reaching a destination; they conveyed a philosophical truth deeply rooted in ancient wisdom. Kennedy’s perspective on choosing the hard path for its inherent value reflects the Stoic principle famously written by Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

The connection between Kennedy’s speech and this Stoic idea lies in their shared conviction that obstacles are not merely hindrances but are integral to progress. Rather than avoid challenges, both Kennedy and Marcus Aurelius suggest we should embrace them, seeing in difficulty an opportunity to grow, test our character, and redefine what is possible.

The Hard Path as a Measure of Character

Kennedy’s famous words—“We choose to go to the moon…not because they are easy, but because they are hard”—echo the essence of Stoic thought. The Stoics believed that virtue and strength are forged in the crucible of difficulty. Marcus Aurelius , one of the most notable Stoic philosophers and Roman emperors, often reflected on how challenges sharpen our resolve and shape our identity. In his Meditations, he writes, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” For Marcus, obstacles are not setbacks but steps that lead us forward.

When Kennedy announced the goal of reaching the Moon, he was, in a sense, issuing a call to confront the seemingly impossible. He acknowledged that the endeavor would demand “the best of our energies and skills” and provide a way to “organize and measure” America’s scientific and engineering prowess. Here, Kennedy emphasizes the inherent value of taking on formidable tasks—not for their convenience but for their capacity to reveal what we are capable of. In this, he reflects Marcus Aurelius’s belief that adversity is not an impediment but a tool for progress. Just as Marcus saw obstacles as opportunities for virtue, Kennedy saw the Moon mission as a way to stretch the bounds of human achievement.

Purpose and Perspective in Overcoming Obstacles

A critical aspect of Stoicism is perspective—how we choose to see and interpret the events that unfold before us. Kennedy’s decision to pursue the Moon landing , despite its profound challenges, wasn’t just about technological advancement. It was about altering the nation’s perception of what could be achieved, thereby inspiring a generation. “Why choose this as our goal?” he asked. The answer was not found in the practicality of the mission but in the purpose it served: to remind humanity of its power to overcome and explore.

In a similar way, Marcus Aurelius teaches that purpose and perspective transform hardship into progress. In Stoicism, it is not the event itself but our reaction to it that shapes our experience. The same obstacle that might discourage one person can inspire another, depending on how they frame the situation. Kennedy reframed the Moon mission as a noble challenge, one worth facing precisely because of its difficulty. Like Marcus, he saw purpose as a guiding force that could turn any obstacle into a meaningful pursuit.

Stoic philosophers often encouraged individuals to align themselves with a higher purpose, something that transcends immediate concerns and fleeting comfort. By focusing on something greater, they argued, we can endure hardship with resolve and even embrace it as part of our journey. Kennedy’s words—“not because they are easy, but because they are hard”—suggest that the pursuit itself, and not merely the destination, is what truly matters. This view resonates with Stoic thought, in which the journey of striving toward something meaningful holds intrinsic value, even if success is uncertain.

Facing Fear Without Yielding

The Apollo mission was laden with risks—both political and technical. There was no guarantee of success, and the prospect of failure was daunting. Yet, Kennedy’s stance was unwavering. By committing to a goal that could end in failure, he demonstrated a quality central to Stoicism: the courage to act without fear of outcome.

For Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, resilience is not just about enduring difficulty; it’s about approaching life’s trials with an attitude of determination, knowing that failure is not as important as the effort and intention behind our actions. Kennedy’s Moon mission encapsulated this mindset. “This challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone,” he declared. He recognized the inherent uncertainties but refused to let them dictate the course of action. Stoicism teaches that courage is not the absence of fear but the refusal to let fear dictate one’s choices.

This Stoic resilience is also evident in Kennedy’s comparison to previous feats of human endeavor, such as climbing the highest mountain or crossing the Atlantic by air. These challenges, like the journey to the Moon, were once deemed insurmountable. They required the resolve to move forward, despite fears and doubts. Kennedy was well aware that embracing the hard path would demand discipline and resilience, yet he also understood that it would foster the growth of the nation’s character. Similarly, Stoics believe that by facing fears, we fortify ourselves and cultivate inner strength.

Legacy and the Pursuit of Enduring Impact

The Stoics placed great value on leaving behind a meaningful legacy—a life defined by virtue and actions that inspire others. Kennedy’s Moon mission was about more than a scientific milestone; it was about laying down a marker for future generations. By setting an ambitious goal, he sought to instill a legacy of courage, determination, and boundless exploration.

Marcus Aurelius frequently meditated on the concept of legacy and the fleeting nature of life. His idea that “what stands in the way becomes the way” isn’t merely a personal creed; it’s a philosophy that leaves an indelible impact. By turning obstacles into stepping stones, he sought to show others that difficulty is an essential part of the human experience. Similarly, Kennedy’s mission to the Moon has left a lasting legacy, not only in the annals of space exploration but also as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and ambition. Just as Marcus believed that actions rooted in courage and integrity would inspire others, Kennedy’s choice to face monumental challenges has encouraged generations to pursue the “hard” paths in their own lives.

The Power of Vision and Collective Aspiration

Kennedy’s speech emphasized not only individual effort but also the power of collective aspiration. The Moon mission was not a solo endeavor; it required the collaboration of thousands. By uniting under a shared vision, the nation could pool its resources, expertise, and creativity to achieve what would otherwise be impossible.

This aligns with the Stoic concept of sympatheia , the idea of interconnectedness and the importance of working toward the common good. Marcus Aurelius often reflected on the interconnectedness of humanity, observing that people are meant to collaborate and support one another. Kennedy’s vision of the Moon landing was an embodiment of this principle, an invitation for Americans to come together, facing challenges as a united force rather than as isolated individuals.

By framing the Moon landing as a national goal, Kennedy created a shared mission, much like the Stoic idea of each person’s duty to contribute to the world. The obstacles were immense, but by approaching them as a unified collective, their resolution became achievable. In a Stoic sense, what stands in the way indeed became the way forward, as individuals rallied around a vision larger than themselves.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the Moon ” speech stands as a modern reflection of an ancient truth: that the most worthwhile goals are often the hardest to achieve. In embracing difficulty, Kennedy and Marcus Aurelius both saw a way to cultivate resilience, foster growth, and inspire greatness. Kennedy’s decision to face the tremendous challenges of space exploration mirrors Marcus’s conviction that “the impediment to action advances action.” For both men, obstacles are not deterrents; they are invitations to excel.

By committing to what is hard, Kennedy not only helped shape the future of American space exploration but also exemplified the Stoic ideal of meeting life’s challenges head-on. His words continue to resonate as a reminder that what stands in our way is often the very thing that can propel us forward. In choosing the Moon as a goal, Kennedy demonstrated a profound understanding of Stoicism’s core principles—showing that the path to greatness is paved with the courage to confront obstacles, the wisdom to embrace difficulty, and the vision to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and inspiration.