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24 Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes That Deserve A Spot In Your Journal

A list of inspirational quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt

She was the niece of a President, wife of a President, and so much more.

On October 11, 1884, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born in Manhattan, New York. Her uncle, Theodore Roosevelt, was the President of the United States.

Being born with a life of privilege didn’t make her spoiled kid. It didn’t even make a happy kid. She lost both of her parents and one of her brothers by the age of 10. Her grandmother, who later raised her, was critical about her and made her insecure. 

Even her mother mocked her look by giving her the nickname “Granny.” All these made her believe that she wasn’t as beautiful as the other girls. It hurt her self-esteem.

But it began to change when she attended a boarding school in London at the age of 14. The headmistress of the school was a feminist who educated her girls to be leaders. And Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t disappoint her.

At the age of 15, a charming young man invited her to dance at a family Christmas party. This man, Franklin D. Roosevelt was her father’s fifth cousin, became her husband later in life. 

But Franklin’s mother, Sara Delano, was not happy about their relationship. She sent him to Europe trying to break them up, but it didn’t work out. The two got married in 1905. 

During Franklin’s administration, Eleanor Roosevelt served as an influential but also controversial First Lady of the United States. She was an activist for the right of African Americans.

But her “over-activism also put her under the fire. She spoke at press conferences, wrote a column, host a show and was everywhere. She was not afraid of getting her ideas across.

We may not be able to witness her charisma in person, but we can still learn a lot from her words of wisdom. 

Look below for a roundup of the most empowering Eleanor Roosevelt quotes on life, love and strength. Pick one and write it down on your bullet journal as a self-reminder or a dose of motivation. Enjoy.

Most Empowering Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

We gain courage and wisdom from every instance in which we stop to look fear in the face.- Eleanor Roosevelt quotes on life, love and strength

We gain courage and wisdom from every instance in which we stop to look fear in the face.

You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.- Eleanor Roosevelt quotes on life, love and strength

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.

You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.

You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.

Eleanor Roosevelt words of wisdom that will change the way you think


To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.

Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.- Eleanor Roosevelt quotes

Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.

There is nothing to fear except fear itself.

There are no have-to's, just choices.- Eleanor Roosevelt quotes on life, love and strength

There are no have-to’s, just choices.

Eleanor Roosevelt quotes about time and life

The most unhappy people in the world are those who face the days without knowing what to do with their time.

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.

Today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.- Eleanor Roosevelt quotes on life, love and strength

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Read also: 112 heartwarming or funny friendship quotes to honor your friendship

Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

It’s your life-but only if you make it so.

I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.

I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do.

Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well-lived.

Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

Great minds talk about ideas; small minds talk about people.- Eleanor Roosevelt

Great minds talk about ideas; small minds talk about people.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Be confident, not certain.

Read also: 49 best Brené Brown quotes about vulnerability

Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.

Which of these Eleanor Roosevelt quotes resonate with you?

So there you have it. Here are the most inspirational Eleanor Roosevelt quotes about life, love and power. Do you enjoy them? Tell me in the comment!