“No government can help the destinies of people who insist in putting sectional and class consciousness ahead of general weal.”
- 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
“No government can help the destinies of people who insist in putting sectional and class consciousness ahead of general weal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt argues that the success of any government depends on the unity and collective good of its people. Roosevelt emphasizes that a nation cannot thrive if its citizens prioritize self-interest, class divisions, or regional concerns over the broader common good of the entire country. By focusing on sectional or class consciousness—where groups pursue their own narrow interests at the expense of others—people undermine the ability of the government to enact policies that benefit everyone. Roosevelt believed that national progress could only be achieved when citizens and political leaders worked together to address collective needs, rather than dividing the country into competing factions.
This statement reflects Roosevelt’s belief in the importance of national solidarity and social cohesion. During his presidency, he sought to unify the country, particularly during the Great Depression, where economic hardship led to heightened class divisions and regional disparities. Roosevelt’s New Deal was aimed at creating programs that served the common good—such as job creation, social security, and labor rights—rather than favoring specific groups or economic classes. His leadership was predicated on the idea that only by working together could the country overcome its challenges and build a fairer society.
In today’s world, this quote remains relevant as political and social divisions continue to shape discussions about economic inequality, regionalism, and social justice. The growing disparities between wealthy elites and working-class citizens, as well as debates over race, immigration, and identity politics, underscore the dangers of division within a society. Roosevelt’s message is a reminder that true progress depends on people coming together for the greater good, putting aside personal or group interests in favor of policies that support the welfare of all. It calls for a focus on the general welfare and the importance of national unity in achieving common goals.
