“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”
- 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
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizes that true progress should be measured not by the prosperity of the wealthy or the increasing abundance of the privileged, but by how well a society supports those who are most vulnerable. Roosevelt was addressing the inequality and poverty that many Americans faced during the Great Depression. His statement challenges the conventional idea that economic success is only about increasing wealth, suggesting instead that a society’s real progress is shown in how it addresses the needs of its poorest citizens. For Roosevelt, a just society is one that ensures basic needs—such as food, shelter, and healthcare—are met for all its people, regardless of their economic status.
Roosevelt’s words align with his broader vision of economic reform and social justice. His New Deal programs were designed to provide relief to those most affected by the Depression, focusing on creating jobs, supporting the unemployed, and ensuring that disadvantaged groups were not left behind. Roosevelt believed that progress in a nation should be defined by the well-being of the entire population, not just the most privileged few. By advocating for policies that promoted the welfare of all citizens, Roosevelt aimed to create a more equitable society where everyone had the opportunity to thrive.
In modern times, this quote remains highly relevant, especially in discussions about economic inequality, welfare policies, and social safety nets. Whether in debates over the minimum wage, universal healthcare, or affordable housing, Roosevelt’s words remind us that economic progress is not truly achieved until the basic needs of the least fortunate are being met. It serves as a call to evaluate the success of a society not by how much the rich accumulate, but by how well it supports those who have the least, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared equally.
