“If we can boondoggle ourselves out of this depression, that word is going to be enshrined in the hearts of the American people for years to come.”
- 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
“If we can boondoggle ourselves out of this depression, that word is going to be enshrined in the hearts of the American people for years to come.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt humorously reflects on the challenges of overcoming the Great Depression and acknowledges the use of the term “boondoggle,” which had become a popular term at the time for describing wasteful government projects. Roosevelt uses the term somewhat ironically, suggesting that if the government were able to overcome the economic hardships of the time, even flawed or inefficient efforts—likely referring to some of the public works projects of his New Deal—could be seen as successful by the American people. The quote plays on the idea that, in times of crisis, people may embrace solutions that are seen as effective, even if they aren’t perfect, and that certain terms or concepts from such a period can become iconic in the cultural memory.
Roosevelt’s comment underscores the imperfect nature of governance during challenging times. The term “boondoggle” was often used to criticize government programs that seemed wasteful or inefficient, but Roosevelt was framing the idea in a lighthearted way, suggesting that in the face of dire economic circumstances, it may be worth trying various strategies—even those that aren’t always perfect—as long as they lead to recovery and progress. The larger message here is about perseverance and the importance of finding solutions, no matter how imperfect they might seem, to achieve economic recovery.
In modern times, this quote can remind us that, while government programs or policies may not always be perfectly executed, the broader goal of overcoming a crisis and improving lives can often make up for imperfections. Roosevelt’s words serve as a reminder that innovation and experimentation, even if not always flawless, are essential when facing great challenges, and that perseverance is key to achieving lasting change.
