“Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men.”
- 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
“Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt underscores the crucial relationship between economic stability and the health of democratic institutions. Roosevelt argues that providing employment to those who are out of work is not only a matter of economic recovery, but also of maintaining the integrity and functioning of democracy itself. In the context of the Great Depression, millions of Americans were unemployed, and Roosevelt understood that unemployment created not only economic hardship but also social unrest and disillusionment with government. If people are left idle and hopeless, they may lose faith in the system, leading to a weakening of democratic values.
Roosevelt’s statement speaks to his belief that the government has a moral obligation to intervene and provide economic security for its citizens, particularly in times of crisis. By creating jobs and addressing unemployment, the government would not only promote economic recovery but also reinforce the stability of democratic institutions, ensuring that people feel engaged, valued, and empowered within the democratic system. This was the foundational idea behind Roosevelt’s New Deal, which aimed to provide relief and employment to millions of Americans through public works programs, financial reforms, and social services.
In today’s world, this quote remains relevant as it highlights the importance of employment as a pillar of social stability. The connection between economic opportunity and the strength of democratic societies continues to be a pressing issue, especially in times of economic downturns, automation, or global crises. Roosevelt’s words serve as a reminder that, in a democracy, the government must work to ensure that all citizens have access to meaningful work in order to preserve not only economic prosperity but also social cohesion and the legitimacy of democratic systems.
