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Our tasks are definite. The first to see that no man, woman, or child shall go hungry or unsheltered through the approaching winter. The second is to see that our great benevolent agencies for character building, for hospitalization, for care of children and all their vast number of agencies of voluntary solicitude for the less fortunate are maintained in full strength. The third is to maintain the bedrock principle of our liberties by the full mobilization of individual and local resources and responsibilities. The fourth is that we may maintain the spiritual impulses in our people for generous giving and generous service-in the spirit that each is his brother's keeper.

Herbert Hoover#41

HooverFreedomResponsibilityCharityDutyWinter

About this quote

What does it mean?
Four tasks: prevent hunger, maintain benevolent agencies, mobilize local responsibility, and keep spiritual impulses alive.
In plain terms
Stop hunger, keep charities strong, rely on locals, and encourage giving.
What can you take from it?
Balance direct aid with local responsibility and voluntary service.

Where it applies

  • winter relief
  • community building
  • social work

Putting it to work

  • prioritize essentials
  • protect charities
  • encourage volunteering

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance aid and independence?
  • What spirit keeps people giving?

Another view

Maintaining all four tasks during deep crisis is extremely difficult.

More from Herbert Hoover

  1. I am willing to pledge myself that if the time should ever come that the voluntary agencies of the country together with the local and state governments are un…

    Permalink to quote #40
  2. Reports to the Surgeon General... represent the final word upon the efficient and devoted sense of responsibility of our people in this obligation to our fello…

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. The basis of successful relief in national distress is to mobilize and organize the infinite number of agencies of self help in the community. That has been th…

    Permalink to quote #39

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