Eleanor Roosevelt

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Relationship Value

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

  Our noteReflecting on her life in her autobiography.

• Lifelong Curiosity

  “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.”

  Our noteWriting the preface to her autobiography.

• Continuous Contribution

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

  Our noteReflecting on the purpose of one's later years.

• Authentic writing value

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

  Our noteDiscussing the quality of written work in her column.

• Test the experience

  “One should always sleep in all of one's guest beds, to make sure that they are comfortable.”

  Our noteGiving practical advice on hospitality and quality control.

• Lead by example

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

  Our noteDiscussing the fundamental principle of fairness in leadership.

• Value of People

  “Human resources are the most valuable assets the world has. They are all needed desperately.”

  Our noteEmphasizing the importance of human potential and talent.

• Courage in Action

  “Faint heart, however, ne'er won fair lady, nor did it ever solve world problems!”

  Our noteShe encourages persistence despite the overwhelming scale of global issues.

• Power of Unity

  “Their ability to obtain what they desire is greatly weakened until they can reach an understanding and work as a unit.”

  Our noteShe discusses how internal friction weakens a group's ability to achieve its goals.

• Mutual recognition

  “We must reach a point where we can recognize the rights and needs of others, as well as our own rights and needs.”

  Our noteShe emphasizes the importance of empathy and acknowledging others' perspectives in negotiations.