“We are trying to construct a more inclusive society. We are going to make a country in which no one is left out.”
- 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
“We are trying to construct a more inclusive society. We are going to make a country in which no one is left out.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt expresses his vision for a more inclusive society, one in which all citizens have access to opportunities and are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or status. This reflects Roosevelt’s commitment to social justice and his belief that the success of a nation depends on ensuring that no one is marginalized or left behind. The statement is a clear call for the creation of a society where the needs of the most vulnerable—including the poor, unemployed, minorities, and other disenfranchised groups—are met, and where equality is a foundational principle. Roosevelt’s New Deal was a direct reflection of this vision, as it aimed to provide economic relief, reform, and security to those suffering from the Great Depression.
Roosevelt’s words also reflect the broader idea of universal inclusion, where policies are designed not just to serve the wealthy or politically powerful, but to ensure the well-being of all citizens. His vision extended beyond mere economic support to include political rights, education, and social welfare, aiming to create a country where every individual could contribute to and benefit from a thriving democracy.
In today’s context, this quote resonates with ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive society in which issues like racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and economic opportunity are addressed. The pursuit of a society in which “no one is left out” is still central to contemporary debates about social justice and equity. Roosevelt’s words serve as a reminder that building a truly inclusive nation requires conscious efforts to address systemic inequalities and to expand opportunities for everyone, ensuring that no one is excluded from the benefits of living in a democratic society.
