Four Freedoms Speech: Happiness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)

Quote #1

Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas. (11)

This is definitely an example of FDR looking to the happiness of future generations as justification for rejecting isolationism in the present, but there's something else at work here, too. Notice how he refers to "Americas," in the plural—by which we can only assume he means North, Central, and South America. Why might the United States have a vested interest in the military and international policies of it neighbors? Hmm...

Quote #2

[...] the justice of morality must and will win in the end. (51)

It sort of has to, right? Otherwise, democracy goes the way of the dodo, and with it, basic human rights. Now, that's not a very happy thought, is it?

Quote #3

We know that enduring peace cannot be bought at the cost of other people's freedom. (57)

Another way of thinking about this statement is that the happiness of one country can't be traded for the happiness of another. Not only is this just a terrible thing to do, but it also won't lead to a peaceful future. It will breed conflict and dissent among the oppressed and betrayed that would only lead to more violence in the future. Yikes.