“We must lay hold of the fact that economic laws are not made by nature. They are made by human beings.”
- 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 must lay hold of the fact that economic laws are not made by nature. They are made by human beings.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt challenges the idea that economic systems or economic outcomes are governed by unchangeable, natural laws. Roosevelt is arguing that economic systems, including principles like supply and demand, taxes, and wealth distribution, are human constructs, shaped by decisions, policies, and political choices. By pointing out that these laws are “made by human beings,” Roosevelt emphasizes that they are not inevitable or beyond our control. Instead, they can be reformed or reshaped according to the needs and values of society. This was a key argument for Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, where he actively intervened in the economy to provide relief to the poor, create jobs, and regulate financial systems during the Great Depression.
Roosevelt’s statement reflects his belief that economic inequality and social hardship are not natural outcomes, but products of the systems in place. Therefore, it is within society’s power to change those systems to better meet the needs of the people, particularly the most vulnerable. This was a radical idea at the time, especially considering the prevailing laissez-faire attitudes towards economic policy, which suggested that the market should be left to operate without interference. Roosevelt rejected this view, arguing instead that government intervention was necessary to ensure a more equitable society.
In modern times, this quote remains highly relevant as debates continue around issues such as economic inequality, welfare, tax policy, and global capitalism. The idea that economic laws are shaped by human decisions rather than being fixed or natural is central to movements advocating for economic reform or redistribution of wealth. Roosevelt’s words serve as a reminder that society has the power to reshape economic systems to align with its values, whether through policy changes, regulatory frameworks, or broader shifts in societal priorities.
