“Old age has deformities enough of its own. It should never add to them the deformity of vice.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“Old age has deformities enough of its own. It should never add to them the deformity of vice.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt speaks to the moral responsibilities that come with aging, acknowledging that growing older brings inevitable physical and emotional challenges—what she refers to as “deformities.” However, she asserts that these natural hardships should not be compounded by moral decay, or “the deformity of vice.” The quote implies that virtue, dignity, and self-discipline become even more essential with age.
Roosevelt viewed aging not as a time to withdraw or indulge in bitterness, but as a phase where one’s character should shine most clearly. As someone who remained active and principled well into her later years, she believed that integrity should deepen with experience. The quote reflects her conviction that wisdom and decency are not automatic with age—they must be chosen and upheld, especially when faced with decline or frustration.
In today’s world, this message is a reminder that age should not excuse cynicism, cruelty, or selfishness. Rather, it offers a chance to model the values learned over a lifetime. Roosevelt’s words challenge older generations to be examples of moral strength, proving that while the body may falter, virtue need not.
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