The Quotation Society

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In the future days which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression — everywhere in the world.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Source
State of the Union Address (the Four Freedoms speech), 6 January 1941
Written
1941

About this quotation

Roosevelt gave the speech to Congress while the United States was still officially neutral in the Second World War. The other three freedoms he listed were freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

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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.
Franklin D. RooseveltCommencement address, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, 22 May 1932
Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. RooseveltFirst Inaugural Address, 4 March 1933
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Franklin D. RooseveltUndelivered Jefferson Day address, 13 April 1945

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