Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential women of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world through her work as a political figure, activist, and humanitarian. As First Lady of the United States, she redefined the role, advocating for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice. Her writings, speeches, and personal philosophies continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.
What sets Eleanor Roosevelt apart is her ability to communicate profound wisdom through simple yet powerful words. She was an advocate for empowerment and transformation, encouraging people to embrace their own strength and potential. Her thoughts on courage, freedom, and self-worth continue to resonate today, offering guidance to those striving to make a positive impact in the world.
In this article, we have compiled 45 of Eleanor Roosevelt most famous quotes, each reflecting her values and timeless insights into life, leadership, and human dignity. These quotes are presented without commentary or citations, as a tribute to her lasting legacy.
1. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
2. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
3. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
4. “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”
5. “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
6. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
7. “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?”
8. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
9. “Life is what you make of it. Always has been, always will be.”
10. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
11. “Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well-lived.”
12. “Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.”
13. “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.”
14. “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
15. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
16. “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until you put it in hot water.”
17. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
18. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.”
19. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
20. “I have spent many years of my life in opposition, and I rather like the role.”
21. “You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
22. “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.”
23. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
24. “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”
25. “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
26. “The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find one’s passion.”
27. “We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.”
28. “It is not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
29. “The only thing that can stop you is the belief that you can’t go any further.”
30. “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”
31. “The future is made of the same stuff as the present.”
32. “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes.”
33. “A woman is like a butterfly. She may be small, but she holds the world in her wings.”
34. “It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”
35. “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
36. “We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face.”
37. “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
38. “You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.”
39. “Small minds talk about people. Average minds talk about events. Great minds talk about ideas.”
40. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”
41. “If you lose money, you lose much. If you lose friends, you lose more. If you lose faith, you lose all.”
42. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
43. “One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.”
44. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
45. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Conclusion
Eleanor Roosevelt’s words remain relevant in today’s world, offering wisdom on leadership, courage, self-worth, and the importance of compassion. These quotes are a reminder of her powerful legacy, as she consistently encouraged others to strive for greatness, challenge their fears, and live with purpose.
Whether through her work as a humanitarian, an advocate for social change, or simply through the thoughtful words she shared, Eleanor Roosevelt’s influence has endured for generations. Her ability to inspire and empower others continues to make her one of the most respected figures in modern history. Her life serves as a testament to the power of resilience, and these quotes stand as a powerful call to action for anyone seeking to live a more meaningful and impactful life.
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