There is… a trait no other nation seems to possess in quite the same degree that we do—namely, a feeling of almost childish injury and resentment unless the world as a whole recognizes how innocent we are of anything but the most generous and harmless intentions.

About Eleanor Roosevelt

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt ( EL-in-or ROH-zə-velt; October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the longest-serving first lady of the United States, during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms as president from 1933 to 1945. Through her travels, public engagement,...

More quotations from Eleanor Roosevelt

We started from scratch, every American an immigrant who came because he wanted change. Why are we now afraid to change?

—Eleanor Roosevelt

change America

The most important thing in any relationship is not what you get but what you give.

—Eleanor Roosevelt

relationship giving receiving

No writing has any real value which is not the expression of genuine thought and feeling.

—Eleanor Roosevelt

feeling writing thoughts value merit genuineness

It takes courage to love, but pain through love is the purifying fire which those who love generously know. We all know people who are so much afraid of pain that they shut themselves up like clams in a shell and, giving out nothing, receive nothing and therefore shrink until life is a mere living death.

—Eleanor Roosevelt

love life fear pain death generosity

Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product. Paradoxically, the one sure way not to be happy is deliberately to map out a way of life in which one would please oneself completely and exclusively.

—Eleanor Roosevelt

life reality self learn

History

2 Jan 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

There is . . . a trait no other nation seems to possess in quite the same degree that we do — namely, a feeling of almost childish injury and resentment unless the world as a whole recognizes how innocent we are of anything but the most generous and harmless intentions.