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Our national debt after all is an internal debt owed not…

“Our national debt after all is an internal debt owed not only by the Nation but to the Nation. If our children have to pay interest on it they will pay that interest to themselves. A reasonable internal debt will not impoverish our children or put the Nation into bankruptcy.” quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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“Our national debt after all is an internal debt owed not only by the Nation but to the Nation. If our children have to pay interest on it they will pay that interest to themselves. A reasonable internal debt will not impoverish our children or put the Nation into bankruptcy.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

National debt is an internal obligation; future generations will pay interest to themselves, so responsible borrowing avoids harming them.

In simple terms: Debt is internal; future generations pay interest to themselves.

Key Takeaway

Borrow responsibly to protect future citizens.

Themes

economics public policy intergenerational equity

Mood

cautious serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • public debt management
  • tax policy
  • long‑term investment

Key Concepts

fiscal responsibility interest burden national finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards ensure debt remains reasonable?
  • How to balance current needs with future costs?
A Different Perspective

Excessive debt can still cause economic strain.

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