The most influential First Lady in American history sets pen to paper in a wartime manifesto on the moral obligations of democratic citizens With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt uses 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 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 is still a long way from reality. The issues addressed in this essay in 1940 namely financial inequality and racial discrimination are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity. Her first publication as the First Lady, "The Moral Basis of Democracy" is an honest and heartfelt call to all Americans to choose love and faith over fear and bigotry. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted by her here is timeless, and a must-read for every American. This edition features a foreword by Reverend Carol Howard Merritt and an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 11, 1884. The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor wasn t satisfied with the traditional role of the First Lady, and resolved to show the world the first lady s importance in American politics by actively promoting human, civil, and women s rights. Following the death of her husband in 1945, Eleanor went on to serve as Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly and Representative to the Commission on Human Rights under Harry S. Truman, and chairwoman of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women under John F. Kennedy. In addition to her political work, Eleanor is the author of multiple books on her life and experiences, including "This Is My Story," " On My Own," and "The Moral Basis of Democracy." Eleanor died on November 7, 1962, and to this day, is praised as a leader of women s and civil rights. "