“Favor comes because for a brief moment in the great space of human change and progress some general human purpose finds in him a satisfactory embodiment.”
- 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
“Favor comes because for a brief moment in the great space of human change and progress some general human purpose finds in him a satisfactory embodiment.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt reflects on the nature of leadership and influence. He suggests that individuals who rise to positions of favor or influence do so not solely because of personal traits or ambition, but because, for a brief period, they become the embodiment of a larger human purpose—a purpose that resonates with the needs or aspirations of society at that moment. Roosevelt implies that the most influential leaders are those who align themselves with the collective hopes and goals of their time, and in doing so, they are able to inspire change and progress.
This idea speaks to the concept of timing in leadership. While individuals may have the capabilities and character necessary to lead, they become truly effective when the moment in history demands a figure who can channel the collective energy and direction of society. Roosevelt likely saw himself as someone who, during the Great Depression and World War II, was able to tap into the great human desire for change and provide the leadership that reflected the urgent needs of the time—whether it was economic recovery or national security.
In the modern context, this quote reminds us that influence and leadership are often not just about individual abilities or ambitions, but about how well someone can represent and advocate for the needs and values of society in times of transition or crisis. Whether in business, politics, or social movements, the most impactful leaders are those who can embody the aspirations of the people they serve, helping to guide society through moments of profound change.
