Read this excerpt from Eleanor Roosevelt’s "What I Hope to Leave Behind." As I see it we can have no new deal until great groups
of people, particularly the women, are willing to have a revolution in thought; are willing to look ahead . . . are willing to give up constant competition. By repeating the phrase "are willing" three times, Roosevelt creates a tone of politeness. firmness. triumph. cooperation.
The basic meaning of willing is, "an expression of desire and consent."
Here, the words, "As I see it we can have no new deal until" convey Eleanor Roosevelt's appeal for cooperation and participation to women and other groups.
She means that we cannot move forward without the cooperation of intelligent, hard-working and determined women who decide to take part in matters of the country.
It suggests an underlying belief that hard work pays off and that the next generation will have a better life than the previous generation. The American Dream is an implicit contract that says if you play by the rules, you’ll move ahead. It’s a faith that is almost unique to this country.
