Charity literally translated from the original means love, the love that understands, that does not merely share the wealth of the giver, but in true sympathy and wisdom helps men to help themselves.

acceptance of renomination for Presidency, June 27, 1936, Philadelphia

It has always seemed to me that the best symbol of common sense was a bridge.

A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.

radio address, October 26, 1939

New ideas cannot be administered successfully by men with old ideas, for the first essential of doing a job well is the wish to see the job done at all.

Whoever seeks to set one race against another seeks to enslave all races.

There are many ways of going forward, but there is only one way of standing still.

A radical is a man with both feet firmly planted—in the air.

radio address, October 26, 1939

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. 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. The millions who are in want will not stand by silently forever while the things to satisfy their needs are within easy reach.

Looking Forward, 1933

More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars—yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the differences between governments.