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About this quote

What does it mean?
FDR expresses interest and impressions about Mussolini's work restoring Italy, reflecting a pre-war perspective.
In plain terms
He is impressed by Mussolini's efforts to restore Italy.
What can you take from it?
Early impressions of foreign leaders can differ from later realities.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • assess leaders on actions
  • contextualize diplomatic views

Questions to consider

  • How do first impressions of leaders change?
  • What signals should you watch in leaders?

Another view

This quote reflects a view later contradicted by Mussolini's fascist actions.

More from Franklin Delano Roosevelt

  1. Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

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  2. No business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country.

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  3. Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.

    Permalink to quote #4

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