“Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
- 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
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt encourages moral courage and authenticity, acknowledging that criticism is inevitable no matter which path one takes. The message is clear: since you cannot escape judgment, you might as well follow your conscience. The phrase “damned if you do, and damned if you don’t” captures the reality that trying to please everyone is futile—and that indecision or compromise often invites just as much criticism as bold action.
Roosevelt herself faced intense public scrutiny throughout her life, especially for her progressive stances on civil rights, women’s equality, and international justice. Yet she remained unwavering, guided not by popularity but by principle. Her words reflect a lifetime of choosing integrity over approval, showing that moral clarity is more valuable than universal acceptance.
Today, in an era dominated by public opinion and social media judgment, this quote is especially relevant. It reminds us that living according to one’s values is the only path to self-respect, even when it invites controversy. Roosevelt’s wisdom calls us to be brave, not because it will shield us from criticism—but because it allows us to live truthfully despite it.
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