Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving an unprecedented four terms from 1933 to 1945. In this post, we share timeless FDR quotes which serve as a source of inspiration for many.
Early Life
Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882 into a wealthy and prominent family in Hyde Park, New York.
Despite his privileged background, he developed a deep empathy for the less fortunate. This was a sentiment that would shape his political career.
Source: Wikipedia
FDR entered politics at a young age, following the footsteps of his distant cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt. He served in various political positions, including Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson.
However, tragedy struck in 1921 when FDR contracted polio, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. This personal struggle with disability would later fuel his passion for helping those facing adversity.
In 1932, during the height of the Great Depression, Roosevelt won the presidential election in a landslide victory. His administration implemented the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling American economy.
The New Deal included initiatives such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, and the Social Security Act. All of these initiatives left a lasting impact on the nation’s infrastructure and social safety net.
Source: Wikipedia
Throughout his presidency, Roosevelt exhibited a charismatic and reassuring demeanor that resonated with the American people. His fireside chats, radio broadcasts addressing the nation, became a hallmark of his communication style. FDR’s ability to connect with citizens fostered a sense of unity during times of crisis.
FDR’s leadership extended beyond the domestic sphere. As World War II unfolded, he navigated the United States through a delicate balance of isolationism and support for Allied forces. Despite initial reluctance to involve the U.S. directly in the conflict, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 prompted FDR to declare war on Japan. This marked the country’s entry into World War II.
In 1944, Roosevelt secured an unprecedented fourth term as president. However, his health was rapidly declining, and on April 12, 1945, he passed away at the age of 63. His death marked the end of an era and led to the adoption of the 22nd Amendment, which limited presidents to two terms.
Source: Wikipedia
The Legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. While praised for his leadership during turbulent times, he faced criticism for some aspects of his policies, with debates persisting over the effectiveness of the New Deal.
Nevertheless, his impact on the presidency and the role of the federal government in American life is undeniable, making him one of the most consequential figures in U.S. history.
Inspirational FDR Quotes
Below we share several inspirational FDR quotes from throughout his life in politics. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.
“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Freedom of speech is of no use to a man who has nothing to say, and freedom of worship is of no use to a man who has lost his God.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“It isn’t sufficient just to want. You’ve got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The truth is found when men are free to pursue it.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“War is a contagion.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“No man can tame a tiger into a kitten by stroking it.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“It is an old strategy of tyrants to delude their victims into fighting their battles for them.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“We can afford all that we need, but we cannot afford all that we want.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Repetition does not transform a lie into a truth.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Don’t allow our doubts of today limit our tomorrow.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“We would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Confidence thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, and on unselfish performance. Without them, it cannot live.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“To reach a port, we must sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR Quotes – Final Words
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, and served an unprecedented four terms from 1933 to 1945. He create vitally important programs within the United States and provided critical leadership during WWII. His impact on the presidency and the role of the federal government in American life is undeniable.
We hope you enjoyed these FDR quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.
