What a truly beautiful statement this was. A case for poetry is made in a most dramatic way. For indeed, to write poetry requires thinking that is creative and therefore sometimes humbling. Reading poetry also expands the skill of reasoning and often has the power of changing a point of view. It's somewhat difficult to remain narrow minded when good poetry is available. To that end, President Kennedy's statement holds true concerning arrogance. To think too highly of one's situation or accomplishments (etc.) is remedied by reading great poetry. It usually requires higher levels of thinking and at the very least a questioning of one's too lofty, unrealistic idea of self. Words are powerful mirrors to see one self through and to share a reflection of another person's perceptions of their world. We are well served by poetry if only to stimulate us toward ideas that require a higher or deeper perspective. Arrogance often melts in the face of the fire and deep warmth of excellent thought provoking poetry. When facing life's problems we would do well to seek a poetry book rather than less positive alternatives.