ultimately reassuring that this man believed that so strongly. his capacity that we truly are the world's last best hope, that we're the beacon to the world, that there are principles and ideals greater than ourselves worth suffering, sacrificing for, and if necessary, worth dying for. americans saw how he lived his life that way, and they knew the truth of what he was saying. i just think he gave americans confidence. john was a hero. his character, courage, honor, integrity. but i think the thing is understated the most is his optimism. that's what made john special. made john a giant among all of us.