“Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.”
- 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
“Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt argues that while competition can drive innovation and progress to a certain extent, it ultimately has its limits. Roosevelt suggests that for a society to truly thrive, especially in times of crisis, it must move beyond the individualistic nature of competition and embrace cooperation. He emphasizes that collaboration is essential for addressing complex problems and achieving common goals. While competition may foster individual success, it is cooperation that can lead to collective prosperity and address larger challenges, such as economic recovery, social justice, and international peace.
Roosevelt’s words reflect his vision for a more unified approach to national and global issues, especially during the Great Depression and World War II. He recognized that overcoming the economic devastation of the Depression or confronting the global threats of war required not just individual effort or rivalry, but shared sacrifice, mutual support, and collaboration among governments, businesses, and citizens. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, for example, promoted a sense of collective responsibility, where everyone was encouraged to contribute to the nation’s recovery.
In the modern context, this quote remains relevant as it calls for collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality. It highlights the need for nations, industries, and individuals to work together rather than competing against each other in a way that may limit long-term progress. Roosevelt’s message encourages a shift from a mindset of individual gain to one of mutual benefit, where cooperation becomes the key to tackling the most pressing issues of today.
