“Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”
- 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
“Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt affirms the fundamental right to individuality—but goes further by framing it as a duty. It’s not enough to simply have the freedom to be yourself; she argues that you are morally bound to express that uniqueness, to think independently, and to live with authenticity. True individuality requires courage, responsibility, and active choice, especially in the face of conformity or social pressure.
Roosevelt’s life embodied this ideal. As First Lady, she broke with tradition, spoke out on controversial issues, and built her own platform as a writer, diplomat, and advocate for human rights. Her insistence on individuality wasn’t about self-indulgence, but about bringing one’s full self into service of society—contributing original thought, values, and action.
In today’s world, where identity can be shaped and challenged by social norms, peer pressure, or digital influence, this quote remains deeply empowering. Roosevelt reminds us that individuality is not just a personal right—it’s a civic and ethical responsibility. By being fully ourselves, we enrich the community and uphold the ideals of freedom and dignity.
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