“Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force.”
- 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
“Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt highlights the power of spiritual strength—the strength derived from belief, moral conviction, and inner resilience—over physical power or brute force. Roosevelt suggests that while physical strength or military might can achieve temporary victories or impose power, it is ultimately spiritual force, driven by ideas, values, and ideals, that leads to lasting change and endurance. This could refer to the power of justice, truth, and human rights, which can transcend physical force and inspire people to overcome adversity, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Roosevelt’s words reflect his belief in the importance of moral authority in leadership. For Roosevelt, the strength of a nation or a cause is not just measured by its military power or economic resources, but by its commitment to higher ideals. During World War II, for example, Roosevelt’s leadership was grounded in a vision of a world built on democracy, freedom, and human dignity—values that, he believed, would ultimately defeat the forces of tyranny and oppression, even though the physical battles might be fierce and prolonged.
In today’s context, this quote continues to resonate as a reminder that ideas, values, and spiritual or moral forces often drive long-term progress and social change. Whether it is in the pursuit of civil rights, social justice, or environmental sustainability, the enduring strength of a cause often lies not in physical power or wealth, but in the moral commitment of people to push for change. Roosevelt’s words encourage us to recognize that spiritual force, rooted in conviction and principles, can inspire and sustain the fight for a better world, even when physical challenges seem insurmountable.
