“Anyone who knows history, particularly the history of Europe, will, I think, recognize that the domination of education or of government by any one particular religious faith is never a happy arrangement for the people.”
- 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
“Anyone who knows history, particularly the history of Europe, will, I think, recognize that the domination of education or of government by any one particular religious faith is never a happy arrangement for the people.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt cautions against the fusion of religious authority with public institutions, especially in education and government. Drawing on the long and often turbulent history of Europe, she notes that when a single faith exerts control over civic life, the result is rarely beneficial for society as a whole. Such domination can lead to intolerance, oppression, and the stifling of diversity and critical thought.
Roosevelt was a strong believer in religious freedom and pluralism. She viewed both government and education as spheres that must remain inclusive, secular, and open to all perspectives to serve democracy effectively. Her words suggest that history offers ample evidence—from religious wars to inquisitions to authoritarian regimes—that merging faith with state power compromises both liberty and progress.
In today’s global climate, where debates around religion and politics continue, this quote serves as a reminder that freedom of belief must be protected by limiting any one doctrine’s dominance over public life. Roosevelt’s insight reinforces the idea that a healthy, just society thrives not under religious uniformity, but under respectful coexistence and institutional neutrality.
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