Reading Practice: Who Was Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

 

Read the attached article about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Then take a quiz.

 Reading Practice: Who Was Franklin Delano Roosevelt?


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Read a book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, such as:


Several Inspirational Quotes by Franklin Delano Roosevelt:

1.     "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

    • Delivered during his first inaugural address in 1933, this statement encapsulated Roosevelt's message of hope and determination to the American people during the depths of the Great Depression. It underscored the idea that fear can paralyze the needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

2.     "Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds."

    • This quote highlights Roosevelt's belief in the power of human agency and the importance of mindset. He understood that one's beliefs and attitudes could significantly impact one's ability to overcome challenges and shape their destiny.

3.     "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."

    • Here, Roosevelt speaks to the intrinsic value of hard work and the satisfaction derived from accomplishing goals and contributing creatively to society. This reflects his broader vision of an America where everyone has the opportunity to achieve and contribute.

4.     "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."

    • This quote reflects Roosevelt's pragmatic approach to governance, especially relevant during the experimentation of the New Deal policies. He advocated for action and flexibility in the face of the nation's challenges, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and persisting.

5.     "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."

    • Roosevelt understood the importance of preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This quote underscores his belief in investing in education and well-being to ensure that young people are equipped to shape a better world.

6.     "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."

    • Although not directly attributed to Roosevelt in speeches, this proverb aligns with the spirit of his leadership and personal challenges. It suggests that adversity and hardship are essential for developing resilience, skill, and character.                                                          

7.     "Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere."

    • This quote, reflecting Roosevelt's vision for a post-war world, underscores his commitment to human rights as a cornerstone of global peace and security. His leadership in establishing the United Nations was partly motivated by this belief.

8.     "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little."

    • This statement reflects Roosevelt's commitment to social justice and economic equity. It highlights his belief in measuring societal progress by the well-being of its most vulnerable members, a principle that guided many of his New Deal policies.