One thing I hate about the New Deal is that it is killing…
“One thing I hate about the New Deal is that it is killing what, to me, is the American pioneering spirit. I simply do not know what to tell my own boys, leaving school and confronting this new world whose ideal is Security and whose practice is dependence upon government instead of upon one's self. All the old character-values seem simply insane from a practical point of view; the self-reliant, the independent, the courageous man is penalized from every direction.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote laments that New Deal policies undermine self‑reliance and the pioneering spirit, replacing them with security and dependence on government.
In simple terms: New Deal weakens self‑reliance and pioneering spirit.
Value independence over government dependence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting youth
- career choices
- community building
- policy debate
- personal development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reliance on community affect personal growth?
- Can security and independence coexist?
It may overlook the benefits of collective safety nets and social stability.