“This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.”
- 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
“This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that the current generation has a critical responsibility to shape the future of the nation. Roosevelt’s words suggest that each era carries its own historical significance and challenges, and this generation is no different—it has a unique opportunity and obligation to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges head-on. Roosevelt delivered this line during his presidential campaign in 1932, when the country was deep in the Great Depression, facing widespread unemployment, poverty, and a crumbling economy. His message was meant to inspire hope and a sense of urgency, urging Americans to embrace the moment and take decisive action to secure a better future.
The idea of a “rendezvous with destiny” invokes a sense of purpose and fate, suggesting that the actions taken during this pivotal time would define the nation’s future for generations to come. Roosevelt believed that the United States had to adapt to changing circumstances and lead the way toward economic recovery and social reform. His New Deal policies were a direct response to this sense of historical mission, aiming to provide relief, recovery, and reform to restore the nation’s prosperity and moral leadership in the world.
In the modern context, Roosevelt’s words continue to resonate when faced with significant national or global challenges. Whether it’s combating climate change, addressing economic inequality, or ensuring racial justice, each generation is faced with its own critical issues that will shape the future. Roosevelt’s message serves as a reminder that the choices we make today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations, urging individuals and governments alike to rise to their own rendezvous with destiny by taking bold and impactful action to create a more just and sustainable world.
