While Ted Kennedy is no longer with us, his actions and his word will long outlive him.

As we mourn the loss of the late Senate icon, many commentators will be writing about the political impact Edward Kennedy has made in his long public service career. Today, I’d like to call attention to an equally important part of his legacy.

In an era of empty sound bites and political speeches written around cheap jokes and partisan applause lines, few brought public oratory to such heights as the Kennedy clan. The Kennedy family dynasty of Teddy, JFK, and Robert Kennedy changed the way that Americans view their political leaders.

The Kennedys used political speech as a tool to inspire bold political projects that would transform society. But they also peppered their political speeches with soaring words and inspiring thoughts about political courage, about success in life, about personal honor – inspiring Americans to be the best in all aspects of their lives.

In honor of Senator Edward Kennedy’s recent passing, we’ve compiled our ten favorite inspirational quotes from the Kennedy family.

Don't sacrifice your political convictions for the convenience of the hour.

- Edward M. Kennedy

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

- Robert F. Kennedy

We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch.

- John F. Kennedy

Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.

- Robert F. Kennedy

Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.

- Rose Kennedy

And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. 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.

- John F. Kennedy

Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change.

- Robert F. Kennedy

Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.

- John F. Kennedy

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

- John F. Kennedy

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.

- Edward M. Kennedy

To find more inspirational quotes from the Kennedy’s and others, we are making available for free for a limited time the Absolute best Inspirational and Motivational Quote Book ever written.

This book is based on an exhaustive Internet Study and it contains the Top 501 Most Popular Inspirational and Motivational Quotes of all time. We are making a limited number of copies of our book available for Free in PDF format. Great Quotes for Writing, Speaking and to Motivate Yourself in virtually any situation.

Download the book for free at