“We continue to recognize the greater ability of some to earn more than others. But we do assert that the ambition of the individual to obtain for him a proper security is an ambition to be preferred to the appetite for great wealth and great power.”
- 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
“We continue to recognize the greater ability of some to earn more than others. But we do assert that the ambition of the individual to obtain for him a proper security is an ambition to be preferred to the appetite for great wealth and great power.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt distinguishes between the natural inequalities in wealth and income and the values that should guide a society. He acknowledges that some individuals may have the ability to earn more than others based on their talents, skills, or circumstances. However, Roosevelt asserts that the desire for personal security—the ambition to ensure that basic needs are met and that individuals are free from the anxiety of poverty—is a more worthy goal than the unrestrained pursuit of wealth and power. This reflects Roosevelt’s belief in the importance of economic security for all citizens, where everyone has access to the basic necessities for a stable and fulfilling life, rather than placing value on extreme wealth or the ability to amass significant power.
Roosevelt’s statement is rooted in his progressive vision of society, one where the goal of prosperity is not just individual riches but collective well-being. He understood that excessive wealth and concentration of power in the hands of a few could undermine the social fabric and lead to inequality and social unrest. Roosevelt’s approach was to promote policies that provided security for the average citizen, such as Social Security, labor protections, and unemployment insurance, so that individuals could pursue their own ambitions without fear of economic collapse.
In today’s context, this quote still holds relevance, especially in the ongoing debates over economic inequality, social mobility, and the role of government in ensuring economic stability. The idea that personal security and equal opportunity should be prioritized over the unchecked accumulation of wealth and power remains a central issue in discussions about tax policy, living wages, and universal healthcare. Roosevelt’s words remind us that a just and healthy society is one where security and opportunity are accessible to all, rather than just those with the ability to amass great wealth or influence.
