Ask not what…

JFK’s speechwriter Ted Sorensen used a chiasmus (kī-as-mus) to conjure a sense of collective urgency, which called to action and inspired many over decades while appealing to a global consciousness with a devaluation of isolationism.

“The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe…”

In the speech, JFK then set the groundwork for the later antithesis (ăn-tĭth′ĭ-sĭs), again emphasizing worldwide relevance.

“To those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required — not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich”

Only to bring it all home with the iconic chiasmus.

“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.”

Communication, it’s all in the toolbox.