42 Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes: Lessons to Live a Purposeful Life

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Read the 42 inspirational quotes & sayings from Eleanor Roosevelt if you want to live a purposeful life.

Eleanor Roosevelt is famous for serving as the first lady during the presidency of her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

She is famous for her advocacy on behalf of liberal causes, and for her leading role in drafting the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. She was one of the world’s most widely admired and powerful women of her time.

Read the best inspirational sayings & motivational quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt about what is life, how to learn from it, what is the purpose of life, how to believe & fulfill your dream.

Eleanor Roosevelt Inspiring Quotes

Find some inspirational Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes that will help you to live a purposeful life.

Quote 1: “Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be.” – This quote means that your life is the way it is because of the choices you make. You have the power to make your life good or bad.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to take responsibility for our own lives. It reminds us that we have the ability to shape our future by making positive choices and decisions.
  • Additional Tip: Focus on making the most of your life by making wise choices, setting goals, and working hard to achieve them.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 2: “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” – This quote means that throughout our lives, we are constantly changing and creating the kind of person we become. The choices we make are our own responsibility, and this process continues until we pass away.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be mindful of the decisions we make because they shape who we become. It encourages us to take ownership of our actions and their consequences.
  • Additional Tip: Be aware of your choices, as they have a significant impact on your life and who you become.

Quote 3: “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” – This quote tells us that people become better and stronger through their life experiences when they face life honestly and with courage. It’s how they develop their character or the kind of person they are.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to embrace life’s challenges with honesty and courage. It highlights the idea that overcoming difficulties and learning from experiences helps us become better individuals.
  • Additional Tip: Approach life with honesty and bravery, as it will lead to personal growth and the development of a strong character.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 4: “Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.” – This quote means that the process of developing one’s character starts when we are very young and keeps going until the end of our lives.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to realize that character development is a lifelong journey. It emphasizes the importance of continuous self-improvement.
  • Additional Tip: Continuously work on building your character throughout your life by learning, growing, and becoming a better version of yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 5: “You always admire what you really don’t understand.” – This quote suggests that we tend to admire or appreciate things that we don’t fully comprehend or know very well.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to seek understanding and knowledge rather than simply admiring things from a distance. It encourages us to explore and learn about what we find fascinating.
  • Additional Tip: Instead of just admiring something from afar, take the time to understand it, as this can lead to a deeper appreciation and knowledge.

Quote 6: “A great deal of fear is a result of just ‘not knowing.'” – This quote means that much of our fear is because we lack knowledge or understanding about something.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to conquer fear by gaining knowledge and understanding. It highlights the idea that being informed can help us overcome many of our fears.
  • Additional Tip: Don’t let fear hold you back. Take the time to learn and understand what you fear, and it may become less intimidating.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes to Know the Purpose of Life:

Quote 7: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” – This quote tells us that the purpose of life is to fully experience it, to embrace new and exciting experiences with enthusiasm, and to not be afraid of seeking richness in life.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to live life to the fullest, to savor every moment, and to actively seek out new and enriching experiences.
  • Additional Tip: Don’t hold back from exploring and enjoying life. Embrace new experiences and don’t let fear hold you back.

Quote 8: “Life is meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” – This quote means that life is meant to be actively lived, and our curiosity about it should never die. We should never turn away from life, no matter the reasons.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to remain curious about life and to keep exploring, learning, and living to the fullest.
  • Additional Tip: Cultivate curiosity and stay engaged with life, even in challenging times.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 9: “Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.” – This quote encourages us not to see life as a mundane routine but as an exciting adventure. It suggests that real security comes from embracing challenges and living bravely.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to view life as an adventure, to embrace challenges, and to be imaginative in our pursuits.
  • Additional Tip: Approach life with a sense of adventure and a willingness to face challenges, as this can lead to a more fulfilling and secure life.

Quote 10: “You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.” – This quote suggests that our attitude and how we view things can influence our circumstances. A positive attitude can lead to positive changes.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to understand the power of a positive attitude and how it can impact our life for the better.
  • Additional Tip: When faced with challenges, try to change your attitude and see how it can bring about positive changes in your life.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes to Know that Everything Is About You:

Quote 11: “If someone betrays you once, it’s their fault; if they betray you twice, it’s your fault.” – This quote means that if someone betrays your trust once, it’s their wrongdoing, but if it happens again, it’s your responsibility for allowing it to happen.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be cautious in our relationships and to take responsibility for our choices and boundaries.
  • Additional Tip: Set clear boundaries and don’t tolerate repeated betrayals in your relationships.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 12: “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” – This quote suggests that nobody can make you feel less valuable or inferior unless you allow them to do so.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to take control of our self-esteem and not let others’ opinions define our self-worth.
  • Additional Tip: Remember that your self-worth is in your hands, and you have the power to determine how you feel about yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 13: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – This quote encourages us to follow our own moral compass and do what we believe is right, even if others criticize us.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to stay true to our values and not be swayed by external judgment.
  • Additional Tip: Stay true to your principles and don’t be overly concerned with the opinions of others.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 14: “Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well-lived.” – This quote suggests that happiness is not something you directly pursue but rather something that naturally comes as a result of living a fulfilling life.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to focus on living a meaningful and well-rounded life, and happiness will follow.
  • Additional Tip: Prioritize a balanced and purposeful life, and happiness will be a natural outcome.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 15: “A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and in all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably with the circumstances of life, knowing that in this world no one is all-knowing and therefore all of us need both love and charity.” – This quote describes the qualities of a mature person who doesn’t see the world in black and white, can remain objective even when emotional, and understands the complexity of people and situations.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to cultivate maturity, empathy, and humility in our dealings with others and in our approach to life.
  • Additional Tip: Strive to develop these qualities to navigate life more effectively and compassionately.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes to Believe in Your Dreams:

Quote 16: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – This quote tells us that if you have faith in your dreams and aspirations, the future will be yours to shape.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to have confidence in our dreams and work towards making them a reality. It encourages us to believe in our own potential.
  • Additional Tip: Embrace your dreams and work diligently towards achieving them, for they hold the promise of a brighter future.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 17: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – This quote teaches us that facing our fears and difficult experiences helps us become stronger, more courageous, and confident. Even if you think you can’t do something, you must still try.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to confront our fears and challenges head-on. It reminds us that by doing so, we become more resilient and self-assured.
  • Additional Tip: Whenever faced with a daunting task or fear, remind yourself that each experience makes you stronger and more capable.

Quote 18: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – This quote is a direct and simple statement. It means that you should take on challenges and tasks that you believe are beyond your abilities.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to step out of our comfort zone and attempt things we consider impossible. It’s a call to overcome self-doubt.
  • Additional Tip: Believe in your capacity to learn and adapt. Don’t shy away from challenges; instead, embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes to Have Courage:

Quote 19: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” – This quote suggests that it’s beneficial to face something that scares you each day. It encourages regular acts of courage.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to proactively confront our fears and step out of our comfort zone regularly. It’s a call to build courage as a habit.
  • Additional Tip: Challenge yourself daily by doing something that pushes your boundaries, no matter how small it may seem.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 20: “I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do.” – This quote conveys the idea that anyone can overcome fear by taking action and confronting the things they are afraid of.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to understand that fear can be conquered by facing it head-on and taking action. It empowers us to be courageous.
  • Additional Tip: Whenever fear holds you back, remember that confronting it and taking action is the path to conquer it.

Quote 21: “It takes courage to love, but pain through love is the purifying fire which those who love generously know.” – This quote suggests that love requires courage, but the pain that comes with it can make our love stronger and more pure.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be brave in matters of love, understanding that challenges can strengthen our relationships and make them more genuine.
  • Additional Tip: Don’t be afraid to love deeply, even if it involves potential pain, as it can lead to profound and meaningful connections.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 22: “We all know people who are so much afraid of pain that they shut themselves up like clams in a shell and, giving out nothing, receive nothing and therefore shrink until life is a mere living death.” – This quote tells us that if we fear pain too much and close ourselves off from the world, we’ll end up living a life that feels empty and unfulfilling.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be open to life’s experiences, including the possibility of pain, in order to truly live and grow.
  • Additional Tip: Embrace life fully, even with its potential for pain, as it’s the only way to avoid a life that feels lifeless and unfulfilled.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes to Make Friendship with Yourself:

Quote 23: “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” – This quote means that while many people will come and go in your life, only those who truly care about you will make a lasting impact on your heart and life.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to value and appreciate the true friends who leave a positive mark on our lives. It also encourages us to be discerning in our relationships.
  • Additional Tip: Cherish the genuine friendships that leave a lasting impression, and invest time and care in those relationships.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 24: “Friendship with oneself is all-important because without it, one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.” – This quote emphasizes the significance of being friends with yourself. If you can’t be kind and understanding to yourself, it’s difficult to be a good friend to others.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to prioritize self-compassion and self-care, understanding that it forms the foundation for healthy relationships with others.
  • Additional Tip: Cultivate a positive relationship with yourself, practice self-love, and then extend that love and friendship to others.

Quote 25: “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” – This quote tells us that it’s unfair to expect others to do something if you’re not willing to do it yourself. It’s about leading by example.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be fair and reasonable in our expectations of others. It encourages us to set a good example and be willing to do what we ask of others.
  • Additional Tip: Practice what you preach and be a fair, understanding friend to others if you want the same in return.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Leadership Motivation by Eleanor Roosevelt:

Quote 26: “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” – This quote suggests that when dealing with yourself and your own decisions, use rational thinking and intelligence. But when dealing with others, approach them with empathy and compassion.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to balance our rational thinking and emotional understanding when interacting with ourselves and leading others.
  • Additional Tip: As a leader, use both your intellect and compassion to make thoughtful decisions and inspire those you lead.

Quote 27: “Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader. Great leaders inspire people to have confidence in themselves.” – This quote explains that while good leaders make people trust them, great leaders empower people to have confidence in their own abilities.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to not just be a leader who people follow, but to be a leader who helps others believe in themselves and their potential.
  • Additional Tip: Encourage and support the growth and self-confidence of those you lead to be a great leader.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 28: “Work is always an antidote to depression.” – This quote means that staying engaged in meaningful work can help combat feelings of sadness and despair.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to understand the therapeutic effect of staying active and engaged in work, even during tough times.
  • Additional Tip: When feeling down, find purposeful tasks or work to keep your mind and spirit occupied.

Quote 29: “Do the things that interest you and do them with all your heart.” – This quote advises that you should pursue activities that genuinely interest you and give them your full dedication.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to follow our passions and wholeheartedly invest ourselves in the things we love.
  • Additional Tip: Seek out your interests, be passionate about them, and they can become a source of personal growth and leadership.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Quote 30: “Don’t be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren’t paying any attention to you. It’s your attention to yourself that is so stultifying.” – This quote suggests that people are often too absorbed in their own lives to notice your actions or criticize you. It’s self-obsession that limits your potential.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to stop worrying about what others think and focus on our goals without self-doubt.
  • Additional Tip: Don’t let self-consciousness hold you back. Focus on your ambitions without concern for others’ judgments.

Quote 31: “If you fail the first time, then you’ll just have to try harder the second time. After all, there’s no real reason why you should fail. Just stop thinking about yourself.” – This quote advises that if you fail, don’t give up. Instead, try again with more determination, and don’t let self-doubt hinder your efforts.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to be resilient and not let fear of failure or self-doubt stop us from achieving our goals.
  • Additional Tip: Learn from failures, persevere, and don’t let self-focus hinder your success.

Quote 32: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.” – This quote means that your present self is the result of the decisions you made in the past.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to make thoughtful choices today that will shape our future selves.
  • Additional Tip: Consider the consequences of your decisions and strive to make choices that lead to personal growth and progress.

Quote 33: “The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – This quote tells us that those who have faith in the beauty of their dreams will shape a successful future.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to trust in our dreams and aspirations, as they have the power to create a bright future.
  • Additional Tip: Embrace your dreams and work diligently toward making them a reality, for they hold the promise of a better tomorrow.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Quotes on Women:

Quote 34: “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” – This quote likens a woman to a tea bag, suggesting that her true strength is often revealed when faced with challenging situations.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to recognize that women, like everyone, can have hidden strengths that emerge when they confront difficulties.
  • Additional Tip: Don’t underestimate yourself or others. Sometimes, our strength becomes most apparent during tough times.

Quote 35: “No matter how plain a woman may be if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.” – This quote emphasizes that a woman’s inner beauty, reflected in her truthfulness and integrity, is what truly makes her beautiful.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to value inner qualities over external appearances and to understand the importance of honesty and integrity.
  • Additional Tip: Focus on developing your character and being truthful, as these qualities enhance your true beauty.
Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes To Live A Purposeful Life

Inspirational Quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt:

Quote 36: “We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.” – This quote expresses the fear of investing too much in a relationship when there’s uncertainty about the other person’s feelings.

  • Inspiration: This quote reminds us that it’s okay to care deeply and take risks in relationships, even if the outcome is uncertain.
  • Additional Tip: Be open to caring deeply and taking emotional risks in your relationships. It can lead to meaningful connections.

Quote 37: “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” – This quote suggests that while youthful beauty is natural, the beauty of older individuals is a result of a life well-lived and is more profound.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to appreciate the value and grace that comes with age and experience.
  • Additional Tip: Embrace the process of aging as an opportunity for personal growth and the development of inner beauty.

Quote 38: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – This quote conveys that each new day brings with it a fresh supply of strength and ideas.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to approach each day with optimism, knowing that we have the capacity for renewal and new ideas.
  • Additional Tip: Welcome each day as an opportunity for personal growth and fresh perspectives.

Quote 39: “You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.” – This quote advises us to accept life’s challenges and face them with our best efforts and capabilities.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to confront adversity with determination and make the most of the resources we have.
  • Additional Tip: Embrace challenges as opportunities to showcase your strengths and capabilities.

Quote 40: “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” – This quote distinguishes between knowledge (information) and wisdom (the ability to make sound decisions and choices in life).

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to value wisdom and the capacity to make meaningful life choices.
  • Additional Tip: Strive to not only acquire knowledge but also develop wisdom in your decision-making.

Quote 41: “Great minds talk about ideas; small minds talk about people.” – This quote suggests that intellectually capable individuals discuss ideas and concepts, while less thoughtful individuals tend to gossip or focus on people.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to engage in conversations and activities that stimulate our minds and expand our understanding.
  • Additional Tip: Aim to have discussions about ideas and concepts, as they can be more enriching and inspiring.

Quote 42: “Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.'” – This quote conveys that progress and achievements are made by those who have the belief and determination to overcome challenges.

  • Inspiration: This quote inspires us to have a can-do attitude and not be discouraged by obstacles.
  • Additional Tip: Face challenges with confidence and a positive mindset, as this is often the first step to achieving your goals.

I hope you liked the above Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes. Don’t forget to mention the best line that you liked most from the above lines in the comment box below.

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