Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent American diplomat, politician, and activist who became one of the most influential First Ladies in the history of the United States. Beyond her role as the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor carved out a legacy of her own, championing social justice, human rights, and international diplomacy. In this post, we provide several timeless Eleanor Roosevelt quotes for your daily dose of inspiration.

Early Life

Born on October 11, 1884, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt came from the illustrious Roosevelt family and was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. Unfortunately, her early life was marked by personal tragedy. By the time she was ten, Eleanor lost both of her parents and one of her brothers.

Despite these challenges, she received a strong education and entered New York City’s social scene. It was there where she met her distant cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt. They married in 1905.

Eleanor’s Emergence as a Public Figure

Franklin entered politics at a young age, following the footsteps of his distant cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt. However, Eleanor’s life took a significant turn when Franklin contracted polio in 1921. This left him partially paralyzed. And as a result, Eleanor became her husband’s eyes and ears.

During this time, she traveled extensively to maintain his political connections and gather information. This experience marked the beginning of her emergence as a public figure and her deep involvement in political and social issues.

Life as First Lady

As First Lady from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor transformed the role from a traditionally ceremonial one into an active and influential position. She advocated for civil rights, women’s rights, and labor rights.

She also used her platform to address issues such as racial segregation and economic inequality. Her newspaper column, “My Day,” allowed her to communicate directly with the American public. Through this, Eleanor shared her views on various topics.

Commitment to Social Justice

Eleanor’s commitment to social justice extended beyond U.S. borders. She played a pivotal role in the drafting and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

She eventually served as the chair of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Her work laid the foundation for the international protection of human rights and earned her the nickname “First Lady of the World.”

Eleanor’s impact continued after her husband’s death in 1945.

She served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. She was also instrumental in the creation of Israel. In the post-war era, she advocated for the United States to take an active role in addressing global issues, including the establishment of the United Nations.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy also includes her contributions to education and the arts. She supported New Deal programs promoting cultural projects. She also became an advocate for equal pay for female artists.

She was also a driving force behind the creation of the National Youth Administration. This department aimed to provide jobs and education to young Americans during the Great Depression.

The Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor’s life was marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her influence extended far beyond her time in the White House, shaping the trajectory of social and political movements.

Eleanor Roosevelt passed away on November 7, 1962. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazer, advocate, and diplomat whose impact is still felt in the ongoing fight for human rights and social justice.

Famous Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes

Below we provide several inspirational Eleanor Roosevelt quotes from throughout her career. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”

“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”

“Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be.”

“Happiness is not a goal.  It’s a byproduct of a life well-lived.” “

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

“Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.”

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.”

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

“Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

“Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

“If someone betrays you once, it’s their fault; if they betray you twice, it’s your fault.”

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure.  You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively.”

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”

“You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.”

“What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?”

Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes – Final Words

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent American diplomat, politician, and activist who became one of the most influential First Ladies in the history of the United States. Her impact is still felt in the ongoing fight for human rights and social justice.

We hope you enjoyed these Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.