American Experience

In "Quotes"

Below are quotations from the speeches and writings of FDR. Each is followed by a series of questions you may want to raise with your students.

"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. 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."

Questions to Consider:

• What attitude was FDR expressing in this statement?
• How do you think people of the time might have reacted to this quotation?
• Given the situation when FDR became president, do you think this was an admirable way to tackle the problems faced by the nation? Why or why not?

"If I were asked to state the great objective which Church and State are both demanding for the sake of every man and woman and child in this country, I would say that the great objective is `a more abundant life.'"

Questions to Consider:

• What do you think FDR meant by "a more abundant life"?
• Do you agree that this should be the goal of the government? Of organized religion?
• How did FDR put this idea into practice during his administration?

"I should like to have it said of my first Administration that in it the forces of selfishness and of lust for power met their match. I should like to have it said of my second Administration that in it these forces met their master."

Questions to Consider:

• Who is FDR targeting in this statement?
• How does this statement contrast with his wealthy background?
• Do you think he was successful in meeting his goals?
• Was this a politically savvy thing for FDR to say? Why or why not?

"We look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms means economic understanding which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor -- anywhere in the world."

Questions to Consider:

• Do you think these "four freedoms" are the most important?
• Are there others you think FDR should have included?
• How does this quotation indicate the position of the United States in world affairs?
• How did (or didn't) FDR put these beliefs into practice while he was president?
• Would FDR feel that the world today has moved closer to these ideals since his time? Why or why not?

"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 its government."

Questions to Consider:

• What is FDR saying about the responsibility of citizens in maintaining their liberty?
• Why is it important for a people to keep "informed" in a democracy?
• What are the dangers when people lose interest in the activities of their government?

"In some communities employers dislike to hire women. In others they are reluctant to hire Negroes. We can no longer afford to indulge such prejudice."

Questions to Consider:

• What do you think FDR meant by "we can no longer afford" prejudice?
• How can prejudice harm society?
• Do you think FDR would have approved of programs, such as affirmative action, that were created to redress past discrimination?