Eleanor Roosevelt quotes

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist, recognized as one of the most influential First Ladies of the United States. As a powerful advocate for civil rights, human rights, and social reform, she reshaped the role of First Lady. She left a lasting legacy as a champion for equality and humanitarian causes. Here are 225 of her quotes:

A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Eleanor Roosevelt

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Eleanor Roosevelt

If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Friendship with ones self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Understanding is a two-way street.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Character building begins in our infancy, and continues until death.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift... that's why they call it the present.

Eleanor Roosevelt

I think that somehow, we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Every day do something that frightens you.

Eleanor Roosevelt

The purpose of life...is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Eleanor Roosevelt

It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.

Eleanor Roosevelt

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.

Eleanor Roosevelt

I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes I wonder if we shall ever grow up in our politics and say definite things which mean something, or whether we shall always go on using generalities to which everyone can subscribe, and which mean very little.

Eleanor Roosevelt

When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?

Eleanor Roosevelt

Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.

Eleanor Roosevelt

When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.

Eleanor Roosevelt