“I believe that in every country the people themselves are more peaceably and liberally inclined than their governments.”
- 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
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Quote
“I believe that in every country the people themselves are more peaceably and liberally inclined than their governments.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt suggests that the people of any nation, at their core, are often more inclined toward peace, understanding, and freedom than their governments. Roosevelt’s statement highlights the disconnect that can exist between the desires of ordinary citizens and the actions of their political leaders. Governments, driven by political agendas, national interests, and power struggles, sometimes pursue policies that do not reflect the will or the values of the people they represent. In contrast, Roosevelt believes that ordinary citizens, regardless of their country, are typically more focused on cooperation, prosperity, and peaceful solutions to global problems.
This perspective was particularly significant during Roosevelt’s leadership, especially in the context of World War II and the tensions between different nations. Roosevelt often sought to bridge divides and promote international cooperation through institutions like the United Nations, reflecting his belief that individual nations could achieve peace and prosperity by working together rather than being driven by conflict or self-interest. His words are a recognition that, even though leaders may act in ways that are aggressive or divisive, the average person in any country often shares common desires for peace and betterment.
In today’s context, this quote speaks to the idea that citizens often have the potential for empathy and a desire for peace that is not always reflected in government policy. It challenges the idea that nations must inevitably be at odds with each other and encourages people to engage in global dialogue and cooperation. Roosevelt’s words remind us that, at the heart of international relations, it is the people—who want to live in peace—that can lead the way to a more collaborative and just world.
