“It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.”
- 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
“It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt points out a human tendency where concerns about wealth or material possessions can often seem more pressing or urgent than the struggles of those who are experiencing real deprivation. Roosevelt is commenting on the self-centeredness that can arise from economic comfort or privilege, where people may be more vocal or distressed about their own financial worries than about the suffering of those who lack basic necessities, such as food and shelter. The phrase “a full pocketbook” refers to wealth or financial security, while “an empty stomach” symbolizes poverty or hunger. Roosevelt’s words reflect his belief that compassion and a sense of social responsibility are necessary to ensure that a society prioritizes the well-being of all, especially the most vulnerable.
This statement also speaks to the broader issue of economic inequality. Roosevelt, during the Great Depression, saw firsthand how the wealthiest could be quick to complain about their financial situation, while the dispossessed suffered in silence. His remark serves as a reminder that those with wealth or power should be more attuned to the needs of the poor, rather than focusing on their own material concerns. It reflects his drive to implement policies that would reduce such inequalities and offer greater economic security to all citizens.
In modern times, this quote still resonates in the context of economic inequality and social justice. The idea that the concerns of the wealthy often take precedence over the struggles of the poor can be seen in debates over income inequality, corporate profits, and social safety nets. Roosevelt’s words remind us that true progress lies in ensuring that the basic needs of the most vulnerable are met, and that society should not overlook the cries of those who suffer from hunger and poverty in favor of more privileged concerns.
