“To reach a port, we must sail – sail, not tie at anchor – sail, not drift.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“To reach a port, we must sail – sail, not tie at anchor – sail, not drift.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt uses a metaphor of sailing to emphasize the importance of purposeful action and determination in achieving goals. He contrasts the active pursuit of a goal, symbolized by sailing, with passivity, represented by anchoring or drifting. Roosevelt’s message is clear: in order to reach success—whether in life, politics, or personal endeavors—one must take initiative, stay focused, and move forward with resolve. The quote suggests that simply waiting or reacting to circumstances will not lead to progress, and that it is essential to chart a course and persist through challenges to achieve one’s objectives.
Roosevelt’s words also align with his leadership during the Great Depression, a time when the U.S. was struggling economically. Rather than allowing the nation to stagnate, Roosevelt initiated the New Deal—a series of bold, proactive programs and reforms designed to address the crisis. His actions demonstrated the belief that a nation, like a ship, needs direction and active engagement to navigate through turbulent waters. His leadership was a call to Americans to take collective action, rather than waiting for the situation to improve on its own.
In modern times, this quote serves as a powerful reminder in both personal and professional contexts that progress requires purposeful effort. In today’s fast-paced world, the tendency to drift or hesitate is often a barrier to success. Whether it’s in business, politics, or personal development, Roosevelt’s message is relevant: success is not about waiting for things to change on their own, but about setting a course, taking action, and moving forward with determination.
