The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Roosevelt wrote this as the closing passage of a speech for Jefferson Day, 13 April 1945. He died of a cerebral haemorrhage on 12 April and never delivered it. The text was released afterwards, and the full sentence continues, “Let us move forward with strong and active faith.”
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.
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.
Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players;
Because I could not stop for Death – / He kindly stopped for me –