Wizards of Wisdom: Eleanor Roosevelt
She had many titles. First Lady of the United States. First Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. First Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. She was also called “one of the most esteemed women in the world,” and, “the object of almost universal respect.” In 1999, Gallup ranked her as the ninth most widely admired person of the 20th century. Though she was married to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt always made sure to stand out on her own and be involved in politics separately from her husband, even going so far as to disagree with his ideals in public. She championed rights for women and minorities and, as a result of tireless campaigning and frequent public appearances, she redefined what it meant to be First Lady. Today, she is recognized for her modernity in the mid-20th century and remembered for being an independent woman who stood behind her beliefs and dreams of making the world a better place for all.
Why is she inspiring?
Roosevelt was born to a prominent New York family and grew up in high society. By the time she was ten years old, she witnessed her mother, father, and brother pass away. Following the deaths, she lived with her grandmother in New York and, at the age of 15, moved to England to attend finishing school. As a child, Roosevelt suffered from poor self-confidence. She regarded herself as being plain and she was very stern even in her youth. However, by the end of her time in finishing school, she grew in confidence and developed a wealth of interests including in politics and activism. At the age of 20, Roosevelt married Franklin D. Roosevelt (a distant cousin of her father’s). However, Roosevelt’s married life began on rocky footing. Her mother-in-law opposed the marriage and sought to control every aspect of the relationship. Meanwhile, her husband carried on multiple affairs throughout their relationship. However, Roosevelt refused to remain unhappy in her marriage and the rest of her life and took control back for herself, in the public eye. She began making public appearances to promote social causes and political ideals (by supporting party candidates and political parties themselves). When her husband developed an illness that left his legs paralyzed, she cared for him (and was widely praised as being the reason he survived as long as he did) and began taking over many of his political social appearances as well. Roosevelt was one of the first people to demand equal rights for all members of society, including women and people of colour. She launched and supported many charitable organizations to further these issues as well. All her life she dreamed of a better future for all and worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.
Notable Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
