The Moral Basis of Democracy, Eleanor Roosevelt
The Moral Basis of Democracy, Eleanor Roosevelt
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The Moral Basis of Democracy

Author: Eleanor Roosevelt

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Unabridged: 1 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/13/2018


Synopsis

With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy.

Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we've taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it's still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay—namely financial inequality and racial discrimination—are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity.

Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-listen for every American.

About Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an American politician, diplomat, writer, and activist. She is also the nation’s longest-serving First Lady (1933 to 1945). A committed advocate for democracy, civil rights, and social justice, she was tireless in her efforts to improve political, economic, and social conditions at home and abroad. She brought the same energy and devotion to her work at the United Nations where, as chair of the Human Rights Commission she played a key role in the creation and passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). A woman of her time who was also ahead of her time, she never gave up the struggle to create a better world because she believed that “lost causes are usually won in the end.”


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bobbi on May 30, 2019

A lot to think about A very good thesis on the meaning of democracy. It is a worthy aspiration but difficult to achieve in practice. Throughout our history good men and women have tried and achieved various levels of success. The key is that every generation has tried in their own way. As with all hu......more

Goodreads review by Jay on July 16, 2020

I listened to this short book instead of reading a copy, right before starting an engaging mystery. I found little here that stood out. What I do recall is that Roosevelt decides to use the first third to half of the book to review colonial American policies to lend credence to the ethical and moral......more

Goodreads review by Shomeret on October 12, 2019

I saw a reference to The Moral Basis of Democracy by Eleanor Roosevelt in a Book Riot list/essay in which the Book Riot author found this 1940 book significant for 2019 readers. I also noticed that yesterday was the day dedicated to Eleanor Roosevelt in The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pi......more

Goodreads review by Colleen on November 04, 2019

This book is a timely read in light of current events. What does it take to sustain a democracy? Can we continue to sustain it? What do we the people need to do to keep a democracy? At a time when most people don't vote, maybe we need to reconnect with this book.......more

Goodreads review by Ron on December 21, 2020

I warmly commend this short book – actually a long essay – to anyone. I came across the book by accident and was immediately impressed with both the mind of Eleanor Roosevelt and her specific thoughts about democracy, which come awfully close to my own. This was almost immediately followed by the sho......more