Eleanor Roosevelt
- 1. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — This Is My Story (1937), p. 149, Harper and Brothers.
- 2. “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Harper and Row.
- 3. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Speech, Brandeis University, 1957; archived at Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.
- 4. “A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.” — New York Times Magazine, September 6, 1958.
- 5. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 6. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” — My Day column, January 8, 1936.
- 7. “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 7.
- 8. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 3.
- 9. “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Introduction.
- 10. “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it.” — Speech to United Nations Human Rights Commission, 1951.
- 11. “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 12. “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product of a life well lived.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 8.
- 13. “When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 9.
- 14. “Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 2.
- 15. “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 4.
- 16. “Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else.” — This Is My Story (1937), p. 180.
- 17. “It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.” — Speech, Hyde Park, 1946; FDR Library transcript.
- 18. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Common paraphrase of You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 3.
- 19. “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 9.
- 20. “The giving of love is an education in itself.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 21. “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” — Speech, “You Learn by Living” tour, 1960.
- 22. “The very next thing you have to do is the thing that will frighten you the most.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 23. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” — This Is My Story (1937), though often paraphrased.
- 24. “Never allow a person to tell you ‘no’ who doesn’t have the power to say ‘yes.’” — Speech to Democratic Women’s Luncheon, 1940.
- 25. “The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow.” — Tomorrow Is Now (1963), p. 3.
- 26. “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” — Quoted by Roosevelt in You Learn by Living (1960), referencing a Chinese proverb.
- 27. “Understanding is a two-way street.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 28. “Courage is exhilarating.” — You Learn by Living (1960), Chapter 3.
- 29. “Anger is only one letter short of danger.” — You Learn by Living (1960).
- 30. “No man is defeated who refuses to be.” — Speech at Madison Square Garden, 1940; transcript archived at FDR Library.
What is Eleanor Roosevelt best known for?
Eleanor Roosevelt is remembered as a humanitarian, diplomat, and First Lady who championed human rights, women’s empowerment, and social reform. Her speeches and writings inspired generations to face fear, seek justice, and live with courage and compassion.
What are Eleanor Roosevelt’s most famous quotes?
Some of her best-known quotes include “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” and “You must do the thing you think you cannot do,” both from her books and speeches encouraging self-belief and resilience.
What was Eleanor Roosevelt’s main message?
Eleanor Roosevelt’s core message emphasized courage, equality, and personal responsibility. She believed progress comes through empathy, education, and fearless action to improve both oneself and society.
Which book contains Eleanor Roosevelt’s life lessons?
Her book You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life (1960) contains her insights on courage, fear, happiness, and moral growth, offering timeless lessons on how to live with purpose.
How did Eleanor Roosevelt inspire women?
Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged women to step into leadership, voice opinions, and challenge fear. She showed that strength and compassion could coexist, making her a global role model for independence and equality.