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The Moral Basis of Democracy
A wartime manifesto on the moral obligations of democratic citizens from the most influential first lady in American history.
With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy.
Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we've taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it's still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay--namely financial inequality and racial discrimination--are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity.
Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-read for every American.
This edition features a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Eleanor Roosevelt including images from the author's estate.
With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy.
Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we've taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it's still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay--namely financial inequality and racial discrimination--are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity.
Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-read for every American.
This edition features a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Eleanor Roosevelt including images from the author's estate.
82 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
About the author
Eleanor Roosevelt
143 books1,684 followersAnna Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political leader who used her influence as an active First Lady from 1933 to 1945 to promote the New Deal policies of her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as taking a prominent role as an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, she continued to be an internationally prominent author and speaker for the New Deal coalition. She was a suffragist who worked to enhance the status of working women, although she opposed the Equal Rights Amendment because she believed it would adversely affect women. In the 1940s, she was one of the co-founders of Freedom House and supported the formation of the United Nations. Eleanor Roosevelt founded the UN Association of the United States in 1943 to advance support for the formation of the UN. She was a delegate to the UN General Assembly from 1945 and 1952, a job for which she was appointed by President Harry S. Truman and confirmed by the United States Congress. During her time at the United Nations chaired the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. President Truman called her the "First Lady of the World" in tribute to her human rights achievements.
She was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.
She was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 30, 2019
A lot to think about
A very good thesis on the meaning of democracy. It is a worthy aspiration but difficult to achieve in practice. Throughout our history good men and women have tried and achieved various levels of success. The key is that every generation has tried in their own way. As with all human endeavors, good and bad has been a part of our history. We should never forget either. The first gives us strength to continue to do better and the second reminds us to be vigilant against evil and injustice.
The other thing that struck me was that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Prejudice and greed and selfishness still exist. We still have too many people who think they are somehow superior to others. We still have too many politicians that will do anything illegal, unethical, or immoral to obtain power. We still have too few people who will be active citizens; to vote, to serve on juries, to pay attention to their local governments. Too many people who think compromise is a dirty word. Having said all of that, I still believe in the basic good of people and Eleanor Roosevelt’s “small book” reinforces that belief.
A very good thesis on the meaning of democracy. It is a worthy aspiration but difficult to achieve in practice. Throughout our history good men and women have tried and achieved various levels of success. The key is that every generation has tried in their own way. As with all human endeavors, good and bad has been a part of our history. We should never forget either. The first gives us strength to continue to do better and the second reminds us to be vigilant against evil and injustice.
The other thing that struck me was that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Prejudice and greed and selfishness still exist. We still have too many people who think they are somehow superior to others. We still have too many politicians that will do anything illegal, unethical, or immoral to obtain power. We still have too few people who will be active citizens; to vote, to serve on juries, to pay attention to their local governments. Too many people who think compromise is a dirty word. Having said all of that, I still believe in the basic good of people and Eleanor Roosevelt’s “small book” reinforces that belief.
July 17, 2020
I listened to this short book instead of reading a copy, right before starting an engaging mystery. I found little here that stood out. What I do recall is that Roosevelt decides to use the first third to half of the book to review colonial American policies to lend credence to the ethical and moral basis of democracy. This was a bit excessive and felt like filler added to beef this slim volume up. The other memorable thing was the belief in a Christian version of morality, especially in treating others with care and respect. The only other surprise was that a first lady would take on this topic. It was certainly a sign of the times, as well as an indication of the type of person Roosevelt was. Does the story resonate today, in 2020, in the era of outrage? Yes, I can see where she is coming from and I can buy that story, but I suspect there are more and more people that don’t buy into the base of this argument, that you should treat others with respect and care. I’m glad I read it, but found no big surprises.
October 12, 2019
I saw a reference to The Moral Basis of Democracy by Eleanor Roosevelt in a Book Riot list/essay in which the Book Riot author found this 1940 book significant for 2019 readers. I also noticed that yesterday was the day dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt in The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont. So I read it on October 11 which was yesterday.
The opening sentence may feel resonant for current readers:
"At a time when the whole world is in a turmoil and thousands of people are homeless and hungry, it behooves all of us to reconsider our political and religious beliefs in an effort to clarify in our minds the standards by which we live."
Many readers will find Eleanor Roosevelt's style old fashioned and even offensive in terms of current political attitudes. I did think that in advocating for Christianity as most consistent with American democratic values, she was ignoring the fact that there are two Christian approaches whose values are so fundamentally different that they lead their adherents in opposing directions. Some Christians believe that wealth and success are a sign of favor from God, and that poverty is a sign of God's disfavor. Therefore nothing should be done to help the poor. Other Christian sects believe that God considers all human beings His children who are equal in His sight, and that they therefore should do everything they can to equalize opportunity for all. These two approaches have divided America throughout its history and continue to do so today.
Eleanor Roosevelt's perspective has its limitations, but I do think that she nevertheless has insights to offer us. So we should be inspired by the nuggets of wisdom that can be found in The Moral Basis of Democracy.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
The opening sentence may feel resonant for current readers:
"At a time when the whole world is in a turmoil and thousands of people are homeless and hungry, it behooves all of us to reconsider our political and religious beliefs in an effort to clarify in our minds the standards by which we live."
Many readers will find Eleanor Roosevelt's style old fashioned and even offensive in terms of current political attitudes. I did think that in advocating for Christianity as most consistent with American democratic values, she was ignoring the fact that there are two Christian approaches whose values are so fundamentally different that they lead their adherents in opposing directions. Some Christians believe that wealth and success are a sign of favor from God, and that poverty is a sign of God's disfavor. Therefore nothing should be done to help the poor. Other Christian sects believe that God considers all human beings His children who are equal in His sight, and that they therefore should do everything they can to equalize opportunity for all. These two approaches have divided America throughout its history and continue to do so today.
Eleanor Roosevelt's perspective has its limitations, but I do think that she nevertheless has insights to offer us. So we should be inspired by the nuggets of wisdom that can be found in The Moral Basis of Democracy.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
October 10, 2018
She writes, in 1940: "The challenge of today is, I think, the greatest challenge that youth has faced in many generations. The future of Democracy in this country lies with them, and the future of Democracy in the world
lies with them as well. The development of a dynamic Democracy which is alive and actively working for the benefit of all individuals, and not for just a few, depends, I think, on the realization that this form of government is not a method devised to keep some particular group that is stronger than other groups in power. It is a method of government conceived for the development of human beings as a whole."
This is so relevant still today.
lies with them as well. The development of a dynamic Democracy which is alive and actively working for the benefit of all individuals, and not for just a few, depends, I think, on the realization that this form of government is not a method devised to keep some particular group that is stronger than other groups in power. It is a method of government conceived for the development of human beings as a whole."
This is so relevant still today.
Read
August 31, 2024Eleanor Roosevelt is pretty badass
August 8, 2016
The Moral Basis of Democracy was originally written in the early years of World War II in an effort to rally a nation to both resist the totalitarian governments abroad and to remind Americans that though we are all different we need to respect each other and learn to work together. Eleanor Roosevelt clearly defines this in her first book’s chapter. She then uses the next to establish the historical context of democracy and how it exists to ensure the public good. The third chapter goes on to use Thomas Jefferson’s famous phrase “All men are created equal” to bridge the divide between past and present. Eleanor claims that slavery and that famous phrase are incompatible and that slavery kept people unequal and that the inequality still persists to that day and it was not limited to just race, but also religion, ethnicity, and gender. Then she bridges from that to show how the totalitarianism in Europe (Fascism and Nazism) is the opposite and limits personal freedoms even more and uses that as a reason why those in America need to work together to keep democracy intact. From this, Eleanor goes on to say that under a democracy, everyone needs to have an equal opportunity to succeed. She also stressed that the youth are the future we need to build upon; that those of privilege should use part of their wealth to further the public good; and that change often starts with those at the bottom. Throughout the text, Eleanor quotes or refers to various historical documents, including Magna Carta, U.S. Constitution, and writings of the Founding Fathers as well as the Bible to support her viewpoints.
I was highly interested to review this work by Eleanor Roosevelt. I have always admired her and the way she stood up for others, whether they were minorities struggling for equality or the poor struggling to survive. In fact, Eleanor crisscrossed the country multiple times in the years before the original publication of this book to highlight their plights and learn more about the issues in an effort to help solve them, something she continued throughout the rest of her husband’s presidency and after. When I was offered the chance to review this work in honor of its republication and read a summary, I felt from the summary that Eleanor’s words were as relevant in today’s world as they were in 1940. We still face inequalities and prejudices 80 years later. And it is still the same issues at the heart of the matter: some want to advance their views at the expense of the public good. And it is necessary to maintain the public good for the majority to benefit. Our government leaders need to read this book and remember that. Perhaps then laws will be made to benefit the greater good instead of the small interest groups that seem to predominate politics in today’s era.
And, of course, I have only touched on the overall themes of The Moral Basis of Democracy. To really gather the full impact and process the arguments, consider reading this work. It is short, but every sentence has an impact.
The copy reviewed was provided by the publisher, Open Road Media.
I was highly interested to review this work by Eleanor Roosevelt. I have always admired her and the way she stood up for others, whether they were minorities struggling for equality or the poor struggling to survive. In fact, Eleanor crisscrossed the country multiple times in the years before the original publication of this book to highlight their plights and learn more about the issues in an effort to help solve them, something she continued throughout the rest of her husband’s presidency and after. When I was offered the chance to review this work in honor of its republication and read a summary, I felt from the summary that Eleanor’s words were as relevant in today’s world as they were in 1940. We still face inequalities and prejudices 80 years later. And it is still the same issues at the heart of the matter: some want to advance their views at the expense of the public good. And it is necessary to maintain the public good for the majority to benefit. Our government leaders need to read this book and remember that. Perhaps then laws will be made to benefit the greater good instead of the small interest groups that seem to predominate politics in today’s era.
And, of course, I have only touched on the overall themes of The Moral Basis of Democracy. To really gather the full impact and process the arguments, consider reading this work. It is short, but every sentence has an impact.
The copy reviewed was provided by the publisher, Open Road Media.
June 15, 2016
Short and informative. Eleanor Roosevelt had a clear vision and her writing is impactful and to the point. This edition came with a foreword, an introduction, a short biography on Roosevelt, and a few pictures of her over the years. Eleanor Roosevelt's words are especially relevant in the current political climate and I was interested in reading more about politics in FDR's time after following Bernie Sanders' campaign. I found her entreaties to the youth the most compelling part of her book and I found most of her words insightful and inspiring, but I felt a bit alienated from the need to have a religious faith in order to uphold Democracy.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
March 4, 2017
"War is the result of spiritual poverty." Pg. 51
"...court decisions, and laws and government administration are only the results of the way people progress inwardly, and that the basis of success in a Democracy is really laid down by the people. It will progress only as their own personal development goes forward." Pg. 55
"We must maintain a standard of living which makes it possible for the people really to want justice for all, rather than to harbour a secret hope for privileges because they cannot hope justice." Pg. 70
"...court decisions, and laws and government administration are only the results of the way people progress inwardly, and that the basis of success in a Democracy is really laid down by the people. It will progress only as their own personal development goes forward." Pg. 55
"We must maintain a standard of living which makes it possible for the people really to want justice for all, rather than to harbour a secret hope for privileges because they cannot hope justice." Pg. 70
November 4, 2019
This book is a timely read in light of current events. What does it take to sustain a democracy? Can we continue to sustain it? What do we the people need to do to keep a democracy? At a time when most people don't vote, maybe we need to reconnect with this book.
October 19, 2019
Well written and very timely. This essay is not dated, still holds relevancy for today.
December 21, 2020
I warmly commend this short book – actually a long essay – to anyone.
I came across the book by accident and was immediately impressed with both the mind of Eleanor Roosevelt and her specific thoughts about democracy, which come awfully close to my own. This was almost immediately followed by the shock of realizing how far the quality of first ladies has fallen in the descent from Eleanor Roosevelt to Melania Trump.
Roosevelt emphasizes several themes. One is Thomas Paine’s idea that democracies must protect individual liberty insofar as the individual’s actions do not harm others – it’s that second bit that gets forgotten by today’s CEOs and anti-maskers.
Another is Paine’s insistence that the purpose of democracy is to attain the greatest good for the greatest number: “When instead of this, [government] operates to create and increase wretchedness in any of the parts of society, it is on a wrong system, and reform is necessary.” This, again, is not what we hear from the plutocrats of today’s corporatocracy, which tries to pass itself off as a democracy.
Her central notion, though, is that we must never lose sight of the fact that all political ideologies have, even when attempts are made to thoroughly hide this fact, moral underpinnings. In this case, she emphasizes the close connection between democratic ideals and the Golden Rule. Such ideas may seem obvious, but they certainly aren’t in wide practice today.
To those who say that we can’t change human nature, Roosevelt says that if we can educate and shape people’s behaviours and attitudes to conform with the requirements of totalitarian and communist states (and, I would add, plutocratic corporatocracies), surely we can do so the same for the requirements of true democracies.
Other writers – such as Michael Sandel (2012) in What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets – brings similar ideas to our consideration of the moral underpinnings of modern economics and government policy.
I came across the book by accident and was immediately impressed with both the mind of Eleanor Roosevelt and her specific thoughts about democracy, which come awfully close to my own. This was almost immediately followed by the shock of realizing how far the quality of first ladies has fallen in the descent from Eleanor Roosevelt to Melania Trump.
Roosevelt emphasizes several themes. One is Thomas Paine’s idea that democracies must protect individual liberty insofar as the individual’s actions do not harm others – it’s that second bit that gets forgotten by today’s CEOs and anti-maskers.
Another is Paine’s insistence that the purpose of democracy is to attain the greatest good for the greatest number: “When instead of this, [government] operates to create and increase wretchedness in any of the parts of society, it is on a wrong system, and reform is necessary.” This, again, is not what we hear from the plutocrats of today’s corporatocracy, which tries to pass itself off as a democracy.
Her central notion, though, is that we must never lose sight of the fact that all political ideologies have, even when attempts are made to thoroughly hide this fact, moral underpinnings. In this case, she emphasizes the close connection between democratic ideals and the Golden Rule. Such ideas may seem obvious, but they certainly aren’t in wide practice today.
To those who say that we can’t change human nature, Roosevelt says that if we can educate and shape people’s behaviours and attitudes to conform with the requirements of totalitarian and communist states (and, I would add, plutocratic corporatocracies), surely we can do so the same for the requirements of true democracies.
Other writers – such as Michael Sandel (2012) in What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets – brings similar ideas to our consideration of the moral underpinnings of modern economics and government policy.
October 9, 2025
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote much that's of lasting interest. This book is not an example.
You can tell right away that:
• ER's heart was solid gold and in the right place.
• But she was no historian, political philosopher, or theologian. This book is wildly unreliable on nearly every topic she tackles, bless her heart.
• She had in mind an audience of rich and upper middle class liberal mainline Protestants. For any other audience, it would either go in one eyeball and out the other. For instance, it's entertaining to picture a Jewish reaction to hearing that "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:28) comes from the *New* Testament. Or that "Hitler's campaign against the Jews is comparable to the campaign in [17th century] England against free-thinkers and infidels." (She wrote this before the Holocaust began but over a year after Kristallnacht.)
I can't recommend the book as a contribution to understanding the moral basis of democracy. However, its bomfoggery seems to have been popular at the time, so it's a guide to what many people were thinking in 1940. Also, it's short, and the Kindle edition is cheap.
2.5 stars for its sincerity and brevity.
You can tell right away that:
• ER's heart was solid gold and in the right place.
• But she was no historian, political philosopher, or theologian. This book is wildly unreliable on nearly every topic she tackles, bless her heart.
• She had in mind an audience of rich and upper middle class liberal mainline Protestants. For any other audience, it would either go in one eyeball and out the other. For instance, it's entertaining to picture a Jewish reaction to hearing that "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:28) comes from the *New* Testament. Or that "Hitler's campaign against the Jews is comparable to the campaign in [17th century] England against free-thinkers and infidels." (She wrote this before the Holocaust began but over a year after Kristallnacht.)
I can't recommend the book as a contribution to understanding the moral basis of democracy. However, its bomfoggery seems to have been popular at the time, so it's a guide to what many people were thinking in 1940. Also, it's short, and the Kindle edition is cheap.
2.5 stars for its sincerity and brevity.
March 24, 2019
The history of democracy starts this book off. It is dry at first. When Mrs. Roosevelt then goes into her idea of democracy and Christianity it gets much better. I like how she corresponds how if we are living a truly Christian life we will think of the greater good of the community instead of the individual then democracy will happen because democracy is for the greater good of the community. Democracy is where equality exists or at least a level playing field exists. Differences in lifestyles will still exist because of people's skills, talents, and abilities but everyone has an equal chance in a democracy. I also liked how she states that we have a way to go still (and it is just as true today as in 1940) because we think more of the individual than the community. This is a book we all need. It is a timely today as it was 70+ years ago.
June 27, 2024
A relatively short work by a former first lady and ambassador. Interesting to see the Christian moral influences in her thought, especially given the New Deal era, the postwar welfare state, and the emergence of United Nations mediated internationalism. Not particularly a deeply novel work that advances any new ideas, but an impassioned call for a better world from a gifted political actor.
July 19, 2024
Insight into the Mind of a Modern Political Leader
A short read, with concepts briefly and simply expressed. Chapters 8 and 9 are especially important. A society functions for the good of all only as long as all members practice the principles that every member is entitled to have basic needs met.
A short read, with concepts briefly and simply expressed. Chapters 8 and 9 are especially important. A society functions for the good of all only as long as all members practice the principles that every member is entitled to have basic needs met.
May 10, 2020
It was interesting to see government through Eleanor's eyes. I was surprised by her integration of Christianity in her philosophy, though she endeavored to keep it broadly defined and inclusive. I would like to know more about her.
January 13, 2024
Timeless views on Democracy
Eleanor Roosevelt in a short book/essay effectively lays out the moral basis of a Democracy and the role we all play and the particular influence the youth could have. Still just as relevant as the day it was written.
Eleanor Roosevelt in a short book/essay effectively lays out the moral basis of a Democracy and the role we all play and the particular influence the youth could have. Still just as relevant as the day it was written.
April 14, 2018
Must read for citizens in a modern democracy. Seems as relevant today when it was written in 1939.
October 18, 2018
Interesting perspective
November 20, 2018
A very interesting perspective about the sacrifice that everyone living in a true democracy must make to maintain it.
August 24, 2021
Interesting perspective. She was ahead of her time, to say the least.
January 25, 2022
Always so good to read about all the work she has done for all human freedom and well being ❤️🍒👏🏼👏🏼 she was a champion
January 22, 2024
If people would be kind, hopefully other people would be kind as well.
Read for a reading challenge: Democracy and Human Rights
Read for a reading challenge: Democracy and Human Rights
July 28, 2024
Every American should read!
May 29, 2026
We'd be better off if every elected Democrat was encouraged to read this.
July 18, 2025
Everyone should read this.
January 8, 2017
A nice, quick read by one of the historical figures I most respect. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this short book in 1940 as a response to the rise of Fascism and Communism in Europe and Asia. She admits early on that this is not a deep philosophical or academic study, but a simply look at where democracy came from in America, and how democracy can best work in our country and in our world. I really enjoyed trying to put myself in 1940 to understand the importance of this work, and I think many of its messages still apply today.
September 22, 2016
This book is as relevant today as it was when ER wrote it. It's mainly addressed to the Christian who lives in a democracy but has take aways for everyone. It's worth a read and a reminder. ER has such a way with words.
October 21, 2016
A powerful, potent, and still relevant view of democracy and what it really means - so much an accurate description that it could be applied when the book was written so long ago, and also today, pretty much verbatim. Lots of deep issues to really make you think about the moral basis of democracy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews