“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
- 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 common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt advocates for action and experimentation, emphasizing that the key to progress is not in avoiding failure but in continuously trying new methods. He encourages a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, where the willingness to act—whether successful or not—is more important than the fear of failure. If a particular strategy fails, Roosevelt stresses the importance of being honest about the setback and adjusting the approach, but never losing momentum. The ultimate message is that in times of crisis or uncertainty, the worst option is to do nothing; taking action, even if imperfect, is better than remaining stagnant.
Roosevelt’s words were particularly meaningful during his presidency, especially as he worked to address the Great Depression. He implemented numerous programs under the New Deal, many of which faced criticism and initial failure, but he remained committed to experimentation and adaptation. Roosevelt’s approach was not to seek perfection but to keep trying practical solutions until they worked, constantly refining the methods in response to changing conditions.
In today’s context, this quote remains relevant as it speaks to the importance of adaptability, resilience, and action in the face of challenges, whether in business, policy-making, or personal growth. Roosevelt’s words remind us that failure is not an end, but rather a part of the learning process, and that the willingness to try something new is often the first step toward innovation and success.
