Review: The Moral Basis of Democracy by Eleanor Roosevelt

The Moral Basis of Democracy

by Eleanor Roosevelt

Publisher: Open Road Media

Pages: 98

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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-read for every American.

Kritters Thoughts:  I heard about this book on NetGalley and when approved the egalley I was excited to try it out.  It is sort of out of my wheelhouse, but sort of in it!  

With a little historical (not fiction) angle, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this little gem to inspire the youth of the time to engage and be a part of the democracy of their country.  She started the "book" with the history of democracy and how it was shaped in the USA by many of the founding leaders and how each compromised to make our democracy what it is today.  

The best chapters were 10 and 11 where she told/encouraged the youth what they have to sacrifice of themselves for the democracy and then what they can gain from it.  It was eery to read this in the times we are in now and you can almost take out the Nazi Germany references and exchange them for whatever country you see having negative impacts on the world, I won't pinpoint the country that was on my mind.  

The one interesting thing that being raised a Christian didn't fluff my feathers but could fluff others was her thought process on the relationship between religion and democracy and how being a religious person is a must to be a part of a democracy.  I was interested in what she said but definitely made a few hmmms and want to read this again in the near future to really focus on those bits.

I loved this short little work and I love that it was re released and more people can get their eyes on it and get motivated to be active in their democracy and that everyone needs to do their part at the bottom to influence the top.  


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2017 Challenge: 43 out of 50

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.