When power leads man toward 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 experience. When power corrupts  poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstones of our judgement. The artist. . . faithful to his personal vision of reality  becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an offensive state.
John F. Kennedy
art, artist