“I am neither bitter nor cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking.”
- 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
“I am neither bitter nor cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt expresses his frustration with the lack of maturity and seriousness in political discourse. Roosevelt distinguishes himself as someone who is neither bitter nor cynical, meaning he does not harbor resentment or negativity toward the political process. However, he emphasizes the need for a more responsible, thoughtful, and informed approach to politics. He believed that political decisions should be driven by reason, pragmatism, and a commitment to the public good, rather than by immature impulses, short-term thinking, or political gamesmanship.
Roosevelt’s statement likely reflects his experiences during a time of national crisis, such as the Great Depression and World War II, when urgent action was needed, and he found that some political leaders or factions were more focused on partisanship or ideological purity than on solving the country’s most pressing problems. Roosevelt’s commitment to pragmatic decision-making, such as his New Deal programs, required political leaders to rise above narrow self-interest and engage in serious problem-solving for the greater good.
In the modern context, Roosevelt’s words continue to resonate, especially in a political landscape often marked by polarization, divisiveness, and partisan bickering. His call for more mature, thoughtful political thinking is a reminder that critical issues—whether related to economic inequality, climate change, or social justice—require careful deliberation, cooperation, and a long-term perspective. Roosevelt’s quote encourages leaders and citizens alike to move beyond short-sighted thinking and focus on solutions that benefit the country as a whole, rather than becoming bogged down by ideological extremes or political theater.
