Autocracy Quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt
“They realize that in thirty-four months we have built up new instruments of public power. In the hands of a peoples Government this power is wholesome and proper. But in the hands of political puppets of an economic autocracy such power would provide shackles for the liberties of the people.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” address, 1941
Power tools are beneficial when democratically controlled; authoritarian misuse turns them into oppression.
In simple terms: Democratic control keeps power wholesome.
Key Takeaway
Ensure public oversight of power.
Themes
politics
democracy
technology
freedom
rights
Mood
cautious
hopeful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government projects
- infrastructure
- surveillance
- policy making
Key Concepts
public power
authoritarianism
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens monitor power use?
- What safeguards prevent authoritarian capture?
A Different Perspective
Even democratic tools can be misused; vigilance required.
![“In fact, after having abolished the monarchy, the best of all governments, [the French Revolution] had transferred all the public power to the people - the people... ever easy to deceive and to lead into every excess” quote by Pope Pius VI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/945/pope-pius-vi-104319_deceiving_in-fact-after-having-abolished-the-monar_3201703.jpg)
