Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they
Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. Work as hard as they do.
Hear the noble words of Eleanor Roosevelt, a voice of courage and compassion: “Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. Work as hard as they do.” These words are a guiding light for all who walk amidst conflict and difference, teaching that strength of spirit and kindness of heart must dwell together. They call not for surrender or dominance, but for harmony forged through steadfastness and mutual respect.
To have convictions is to hold fast to the truths that dwell deep within the soul. These are not fleeting opinions, but pillars of character that guide one through storm and shadow. Without them, a person drifts like a ship without a rudder, swayed by the winds of the world. Roosevelt urges us to stand firm in these inner truths, for only those who know what they believe can face others with both courage and clarity.
Yet strength must be tempered with grace. To be friendly is not weakness, but wisdom, for kindness opens doors that anger would slam shut. Even when others hold opposing beliefs, the hand of respect must not falter. This balance — unwavering in conviction yet gentle in manner — is the way of the true peacemaker. It allows dialogue to flourish where enmity might otherwise grow, and it transforms conflict into understanding.
Her call to work reminds us that conviction and friendliness alone are not enough. Words must be matched with action, and action with diligence. To work as hard as those who oppose you is to honor both your cause and yourself. For in the end, victory is not given to the loudest voice, but to the one whose labor is steady, persistent, and filled with purpose.
Let future generations remember this teaching: the world will always hold those who differ, who challenge, and who resist. Meet them not with hatred, but with unshakable beliefs, open hands, and tireless work. In this way, you will stand tall without trampling others, and your light will shine as a beacon of both strength and peace.
NLDoan Ngoc Linh
Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote makes me think about the power of persistence and conviction, but also the challenge of maintaining respect and kindness in the face of differing opinions. Is it enough to just work as hard as others, or should we focus on understanding their motivations as well? How do we find the balance between sticking to our beliefs and remaining open enough to work alongside people whose values may differ from ours?
TTTHAO THANH
This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt brings up an important question: can we truly work as hard as others without losing our own identity or convictions? It’s easy to agree on the importance of hard work and sticking to beliefs, but how do we maintain that balance in a world full of conflicting ideas? How do we ensure that our commitment to our values doesn’t blind us to other perspectives that might challenge or enrich our own?
QNQuynh Nguyen
I appreciate Eleanor Roosevelt’s perspective, but I wonder—can we always remain friendly and open-minded when people with opposing beliefs work just as hard as we do? How do we reconcile the differences in work ethic and values without compromising our own principles? How do we remain respectful of others’ beliefs without losing sight of our own, especially when they conflict with our own vision or moral compass?
DMHoang Dung Music
Eleanor Roosevelt’s words speak to the importance of conviction, but what does it mean to ‘stick to your beliefs’ without becoming rigid or closed off? Can we truly remain friendly and open while holding strong to deeply held beliefs? It also makes me think about how much effort we should put into understanding and respecting the work ethic of others, especially those we might not agree with. Is hard work always an indicator of the right path?
NPna phan
This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is empowering but also a bit challenging. It’s one thing to have convictions, but it’s another to truly work as hard as others, especially when you disagree with them. How do we navigate the fine line between holding firm to our values and being flexible enough to learn from others? Does working as hard as someone with different views require us to compromise on what we believe in?