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Business Quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt

“No realistic American can expect from a dictator's peace international generosity, or return of true independence, or world disarmament, or freedom of expression, or freedom of religion, or even good business. Such a peace would bring no security for us or for our neighbors. Those, who would give…” quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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““No realistic American can expect from a dictator's peace international generosity, or return of true independence, or world disarmament, or freedom of expression, or freedom of religion, or even good business. Such a peace would bring no security for us or for our neighbors. Those, who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety””

Franklin D. Roosevelt

About This Quote

Source Speech: First Inaugural Address, United States, March 4 1933

A dictator’s peace cannot deliver true freedoms or lasting security; sacrificing liberty for temporary safety is self‑defeating.

In simple terms: Liberty must not be traded for false security.

Key Takeaway

Protect freedoms, not false safety.

Themes

freedom security political liberty authoritarianism

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public policy debates
  • personal safety decisions
  • community activism

Key Concepts

civil rights social contract state power

Questions to Reflect On

  • What freedoms are you willing to sacrifice for safety?
  • How can societies balance security with liberty?
A Different Perspective

A peace without genuine liberty may still be unstable.

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