Famous quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are"

About this Quote

Franklin D. Roosevelt distinguishes between the constructs of rules and principles, suggesting a fundamental hierarchy between the two. Rules are understood as specific directives or guidelines, often created to address particular situations or to enforce order. They are explicit, rigid, and may change with circumstances, societal norms, or political climates. Rules provide structure and predictability but can sometimes become outdated or misaligned with the values and needs of the time. Their primary function is to maintain order, efficiency, or uniformity within a group or institution.

Principles, by contrast, are the deeply rooted moral or ethical foundations upon which rules are ideally based. They endure across changing times and contexts because they spring from fundamental notions of right and wrong, justice, fairness, or human dignity. While rules may vary between organizations, cultures, or eras, principles speak to the underlying reasons for those rules, offering a compass that can guide behavior in situations not anticipated by existing codes.

Roosevelt’s assertion suggests caution against treating rules as inviolable, especially if they begin to contradict the higher ideals they were originally created to serve. Adhering blindly to rules may lead down a path where the letter of the law is followed while the spirit is betrayed. By elevating principles above rules, one acknowledges that justice, compassion, and truth should take precedence if a conflict arises. This perspective calls for discernment and, at times, the courage to challenge or adapt rules to remain true to foundational values.

His words encourage leaders and individuals alike to periodically revisit the rationale behind established practices, ensuring that systems and decisions continue to serve their principled origins rather than becoming self-justifying rituals. Ultimately, Roosevelt advocates for a society in which integrity to principles, not mere compliance with rules, is revered as sacred.

About the Author

Franklin D. Roosevelt This quote is written / told by Franklin D. Roosevelt between January 30, 1882 and April 12, 1945. He was a famous President from USA. The author also have 69 other quotes.
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