Franklin D. Roosevelt

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Accepting imperfection

  “No great effort like this can be a hundred percent perfect, but the batting average is very, very high.”

  Our noteDiscussing the massive logistical operation of supplying the war and providing relief to liberated cities.

• Power of vision

  “Anyone who would have said this was possible a few years ago would have been put down as a starry-eyed visionary. But of such visions is the stuff of America fashioned.”

  Our noteReflecting on the massive scale of war bond purchases that exceeded all previous expectations.

• Supporting the mission

  “One sure way every man, woman, and child can keep faith with those who have given, and are giving, their lives, is to provide the money which is needed to win the final victory.”

  Our noteRoosevelt encourages citizens to contribute financially to the national objective.

• Staged Rollout

  “It is necessary that the reopening of banks be extended over a period in order to permit the banks to make applications for necessary loans, to obtain currency needed to meet their requirements and to enable the Government to make common sense checkups.”

  Our noteExplaining why a gradual reopening is safer than a simultaneous one during a system-wide recovery.

• Importance of confidence

  “After all, there is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people.”

  Our noteHe explains that trust is the most valuable asset in any financial system.

• Shared responsibility

  “It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail.”

  Our noteRoosevelt calls for collective action and shared ownership of the solution.