“A reactionary is a somnambulist walking backwards.”
- 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
“A reactionary is a somnambulist walking backwards.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt uses the metaphor of a somnambulist (a sleepwalker) to describe a reactionary—someone who resists progress and seeks to return to past ways of thinking or doing things. The sleepwalker, who moves without awareness or purpose, represents a person who is disconnected from the reality of the present and unaware of the consequences of their actions. The phrase “walking backwards” emphasizes that a reactionary is trying to move backward in time, toward outdated systems or ideas, rather than progressing forward. Roosevelt criticizes this mindset as lacking vision and awareness, suggesting that it is counterproductive to the needs of a modern, evolving society.
Roosevelt’s words reflect his broader belief in progressive ideals and reform. As president, he sought to create policies that would address the pressing issues of his time—such as economic inequality, social welfare, and global conflict—rather than clinging to outdated ways of thinking that could impede necessary change. His New Deal was a clear example of moving forward, embracing new ideas to tackle the economic crisis of the Great Depression, while reactionary forces sought to return to the status quo that had failed.
In the modern context, this quote can be understood as a critique of individuals or groups who oppose necessary change or who are resistant to evolving societal norms. Whether in discussions about social justice, climate change, or economic policy, Roosevelt’s words remind us that progress requires forward thinking—embracing new solutions and ideas rather than retreating into the past. It is a call to avoid the trap of reactionary thinking and instead focus on shaping a better future.
