“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
table of contents
Quote
“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt expresses a core principle of ethical leadership and personal integrity. She underscores the importance of consistency between expectations and personal conduct. To demand effort, sacrifice, or responsibility from others without being prepared to share in those demands is not just unfair—it erodes trust and authority. True leadership requires leading by example, not by command alone.
Roosevelt’s public life reflected this ideal. She was deeply involved in humanitarian work, civil rights, and advocacy for the underprivileged—not from a distance, but through direct action. Her willingness to engage personally in the causes she championed gave her words credibility and moral weight. This quote draws on that legacy, reminding us that fairness is rooted in empathy and accountability.
In everyday life—whether in the workplace, family, or community—this quote serves as a reminder to hold oneself to the same standards one sets for others. It challenges hypocrisy and calls for humility, urging individuals to model the behavior they wish to see. From parenting to politics, Roosevelt’s wisdom insists that respect is earned through shared effort and example.
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