 There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny. |
| A reactionary is a somnambulist walking backwards. |
| Not only our future economic soundness but the very soundness of our democratic institutions depends on the determination of our government to give employment to idle men. |
| Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are. |
| True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made. |
| One thing is sure. We have to do something. We have to do the best we know how at the moment... If it doesn't turn out right, we can modify it as we go along. |
| Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. |
| Yesterday, December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. |
| When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. |
| No government can help the destinies of people who insist in putting sectional and class consciousness ahead of general weal. |
| Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle. |
| The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. |
| It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. |
| There are as many opinions as there are experts. |
| Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds. |
| The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the goverment. |
| Don't forget what I discovered that over ninety percent of all national deficits from 1921 to 1939 were caused by payments for past, present, and future wars. |
| Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. |
| I am neither bitter nor cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking. |
| Our national determination to keep free of foreign wars and foreign entanglements cannot prevent us from feeling deep concern when ideals and principles that we have cherished are challenged. |
