Friendship with oneself is all-important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.
Eleanor Roosevelt
This is Eleanor’s way of saying that self-acceptance is the foundation for meaningful relationships. If you don’t treat yourself with kindness, respect, and understanding, it’s hard to genuinely offer those things to others. It’s not about being self-centered — it’s about being grounded. When you’re at peace with who you are, you show up more authentically in the world, and that makes your connections deeper and more real.
How Eleanor Lived This Out
Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t just talk the talk — she lived it. She was known for her warmth, empathy, and fierce commitment to justice. Here are a few of her most powerful deeds that show how she extended her inner strength outward:
Civil Rights Advocate: She famously resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution when they refused to let Black singer Marian Anderson perform. Instead, Eleanor helped organize Anderson’s historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial — a bold stand for racial equality.
Champion of Human Rights: After her time as First Lady, she became a U.S. delegate to the United Nations and chaired the committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her leadership helped shape one of the most important documents in global history.
Supporter of Women’s Rights: She pushed for women’s inclusion in New Deal programs, advocated for equal pay, and encouraged women to take on leadership roles during WWII.
Personal Connection: Through her daily column My Day, she spoke directly to the public about everything from politics to personal reflections. She used it to uplift, educate, and connect with millions — showing that friendship with others starts with honest communication.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman who turned her self-awareness into action. She didn’t seek perfection — she sought progress, and she did it with compassion and courage. Her quote is more than advice; it’s a reflection of how she lived.
Born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt ( October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962) was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945 as she was married to another Roosevelt -Franklin D (her father's fifth cousin).
I agree that if we want to be friends with anyone, we first have to be friends with ourselves:)
ReplyDeleteI think you can be friendly with whoever you want to be friends with. You must just be friendly.
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