Franklin Roosevelt Quotes That Encourage Progress
August 10, 2022 5:17 AM EST
Franklin D. Roosevelt had a lot of insightful and inspirational things to say about a variety of topics.
These Franklin D. Roosevelt quotes cover everything from politics and Americans to human character and witty one-liners about life.
As the 32nd President of the United States, he is more than qualified to give his opinions about government and freedom.
Also, he remains the only president to serve more than two terms.
We only considered it a precedent that presidents serve to fewer than two terms until they ratified the 22nd amendment on March 21, 1947.
Don’t forget to also check out these James Madison quotes from one of the founding fathers.
Just how many terms did Franklin D. Roosevelt serve?
Well, he was elected to a third term on November 5th, 1940.
He was sworn in on January 20, 1945, for his fourth term.
The reason his third bid for office was successful was that the country did not want a new president as World War II had just begun.
We were also reeling from The Great Depression.
He won the popular vote and the electoral college vote by a landslide.
Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration.
Check out our inspirational quotes category page for more inspirational life quotes.
Franklin Roosevelt quotes about politics and government
1. “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes about politics and government](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-1.jpg)
You will also enjoy our article on Johnny Bravo quotes.
2. “In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes in politics, nothing happens by accident](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-2.jpg)
3. “A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes anout learn](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-3.jpg)
4. “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes of democracy](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-4.jpg)
5. “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes that a nation that destroys its soils destroys itself](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-5.jpg)
6. “The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes of liberty](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-6.jpg)
7. “Yesterday, December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. We will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us, God.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes of air forces of the Empire of Japan](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-7.jpg)
8. “The United States Constitution has proved itself the most marvelously elastic compilation of rules of government ever written.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Wise and Inspirational Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-8.jpg)
9. “Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes on economic](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-9.jpg)
Franklin Roosevelt quotes that mention freedom and Americans
10. “True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes that mention freedom and Americans](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-10.jpg)
11. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Quotes and Saying Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-11.jpg)
12. “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Inspirational Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-12.jpg)
13. “There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations, much is given. Of other generations, much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes of destiny](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-13.jpg)
14. “I pledge you; I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes that American people](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-14.jpg)
15. “The truth is found when men are free to pursue it.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes for the truth is found when men are free to pursue it](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-15.jpg)
16. “Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle.”— Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes on here is my principle](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-16.jpg)
17. “I do not look upon these United States as a finished product. We are still in the making.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Wise Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-17.jpg)
18. “If we can boondoggle ourselves out of this depression, that word is going to be enshrined in the hearts of the American people for years to come.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![More Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-18.jpg)
19. “The overwhelming majority of Americans are possessed of two great qualities: a sense of humor and a sense of proportion.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes that the overwhelming majority of Americans are possessed of two great qualities](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-19.jpg)
Franklin Roosevelt quotes about the character of man
20. “If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships – the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes about the character of man](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-20.jpg)
21. “Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another. But by all means, try something.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes of take a method and try it](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-21.jpg)
22. “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes for enemies](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-22.jpg)
23. “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Relatable Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-23.jpg)
24. “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
![Other Franklin Roosevelt quotes](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-24.jpg)
25. “Self-interest is the enemy of all true affection.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
![Franklin Roosevelt quotes on self-interest is the enemy of all true affection](images/franklin-roosevelt-quotes-25.jpg)
You might also like these Harry Truman quotes from the unpopular president.
What did you learn from these Franklin Roosevelt quotes?
Unfortunately, Roosevelt could not complete his fourth term in office because he passed away on April 12, 1945; just a few short months after being sworn in.
Roosevelt was diagnosed with Polio in 1921, and he had been in declining health for most of the early 40s.
Shortly after turning 62, he underwent testing at Bethesda Hospital and was diagnosed with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.
Doctors prescribed him with rest but the campaign downplayed concerns over his health.
He became more thin and sickly looking as the months after the inauguration wore on.
While sitting for a portrait in Warm Springs, Georgia, on April 12, 1945, Roosevelt complained of a headache.
Suddenly, he slumped forward in his chair.
He was unconscious and had to be carried to his bedroom.
Dr. Howard Bruenn determined the president had suffered a massive intracerebral hemorrhage and died later that day.
He remains the youngest person elected president and is known for his progressive policy improvements.
What’s your biggest takeaway from these Franklin Roosevelt quotes and sayings?
Do you have any other favorite quotes to add?
Let us know in the comment section below.