Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential and respected figures of the 20th century, left behind an enduring legacy of human rights advocacy and leadership.
As the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, she used her platform to champion social justice, equality, and human dignity.
Did you know Eleanor Roosevelt was not just a political figure but also the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
Her words continue to inspire, uplift, and educate those who strive to create a better world today.
Here are the best Eleanor Roosevelt quotes that can empower anyone seeking wisdom and inspiration in their own lives.
Table of the Best Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes
1. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
This quote reminds us that our self-worth is in our own hands. It signifies that we alone have the power to determine our value and how we react to the opinions of others.
2. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
Eleanor encourages us to trust our intuition and follow our convictions, even in the face of criticism, because personal integrity is what truly matters.
3. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Believing in your dreams and aspirations is the first step toward making them a reality. This quote serves as a reminder to keep faith in the beauty of what we hope to achieve.
4. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.”
Roosevelt emphasizes personal responsibility and the power we hold in crafting both our destinies and our identities through our choices and actions.
5. “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
With this Eleanor Roosevelt quote, Eleanor underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to bring about positive change rather than lamenting challenges and obstacles.
6. “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
Challenging oneself and stepping out of comfort zones is essential for growth. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote is a powerful motivator to push beyond perceived limitations.
7. “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.”
Roosevelt teaches that true happiness is a result of living authentically and engaging in meaningful pursuits rather than chasing happiness itself as an end goal.
8. “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”
This Eleanor Roosevelt quote highlights the importance of actionable steps and planning over mere wishing. Effective planning translates aspirations into achievements.
9. “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.”
Embracing life’s experiences with honesty and courage leads to personal growth and wisdom. Eleanor’s words encourage us to face challenges head-on.
10. “When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.”
Actively contributing to society and to others’ lives adds meaning and vitality to our own existence, ensuring we remain engaged and purposeful.
11. “Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”
A healthy relationship with oneself forms the foundation for all other relationships. Self-compassion is key to forming meaningful connections with others.
12. “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
Leading others effectively involves empathy and emotional intelligence. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote underscores the importance of balancing intellect with compassion in leadership.
13. “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.”
Recognize who holds authority and make decisions based on valid counsel. This wisdom empowers us to seek the right guidance and avoid unnecessary roadblocks.
14. “Understanding is a two-way street.”
Effective communication is about mutual understanding and empathy. Eleanor emphasizes the importance of listening as well as being heard.
15. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
Roosevelt’s quote encourages us to elevate our conversations by focusing on ideas and values rather than gossip or superficial topics.
16. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”
Every day brings a fresh opportunity for growth and improvement. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote inspires resilience and optimism in facing each new day.
17. “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.”
Leading by example is a hallmark of true leadership. Eleanor’s words remind us to embody the standards we set for others.
18. “Success must include two things: the development of an individual to his utmost potential and a contribution of some kind to one’s world.”
True success is multi-faceted, involving personal growth and giving back to the community. This holistic view inspires us to strive for both.
19. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
Facing fears head-on builds resilience. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote encourages us to confront obstacles bravely, growing stronger with each experience.
20. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
Often, flexibility and openness to new paths lead us to unexpected yet fulfilling journeys. Roosevelt encourages embracing the unforeseen.
21. “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
The ultimate goal of leadership is to empower others. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote underscores the distinction between good and great leadership.
22. “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
This liberating quote reminds us to focus less on the judgment of others and more on our inner values and actions.
23. “The important thing is neither your nationality nor the religion you professed, but how your faith translated itself in your life.”
Actions speak louder than identities. Eleanor’s words remind us that the true measure of belief is how it manifests in our lives and deeds.
24. “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”
A zest for life and a curious spirit are fundamental to a fulfilled existence. This quote inspires us to remain open and engaged with the world around us.
25. “Ambition is pitiless. Any merit that it cannot use it finds despicable.”
Roosevelt highlights the relentless nature of unchecked ambition and its potential detriment to human values and ethics.
26. “Once I knew only darkness and stillness. My life was without past or future. But a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living.”
This Eleanor Roosevelt quote poetically represents the transformative power of human connection and the profound impact simple acts of kindness can have on our lives.
27. “Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.”
True justice is impartial, benefiting all parties involved. Eleanor’s wisdom urges us to seek fairness and equity in all facets of life.
28. “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”
Knowledge and wisdom are distinct yet complementary. While knowledge assists in achieving professional success, wisdom guides us in leading a meaningful life.
29. “The battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it.”
Roosevelt staunchly supported gender equality. This Eleanor Roosevelt quote serves as a rallying cry for the continuous advocacy for women’s rights.
30. “It is not more vacation we need – it is more vocation.”
More than leisure, finding purpose and passion in our work leads to lasting fulfillment. Eleanor’s words encourage us to seek out and embrace our true callings.
How Eleanor Roosevelt’s words can inspire your life
Eleanor Roosevelt’s wisdom remains deeply relevant, offering guidance and encouragement as we navigate our own lives. Her quotes remind us to stand firm in our values, pursue our dreams, and lead with empathy and integrity.
Feel empowered by these words? Share this article with friends, bookmark our website, and let Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless wisdom inspire you and those around you. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change and leadership in our world.
