The recent documentary by Ken Burns that covers the Roosevelts is masterful and deserving of all the accolades it has been given thus far. Burns crafts a wonderful narrative where he lays out not only the importance of this famous family, but also how their paths were entwined. The most compelling piece is how these extraordinary individuals overcame hardships, both emotional and physical.
Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from this story is that true leadership comes from hardship, which ultimately leads to deeper understanding of others. Despite their wealth and power, the Roosevelts had to overcome adversity. Teddy Roosevelt lost his mother and wife on the same day, in the same house. Franklin Roosevelt endured polio, losing his ability to walk and maintain his active lifestyle. Eleanor Roosevelt was secondary to FDR's mother in those early years and had difficulty finding herself amidst the grand shadow that FDR cast. In all those circumstances, the Roosevelts took what life gave them, utilized their talents and made history.
These three extraordinary individuals occupied leadership roles for a majority of the twentieth century, laying a foundation in American history that is unprecedented. Their experiences gave them insight into the plight of others, which led to a deeper understanding of other people's anguish. There are other families that play a role in American history, but none of them compare to what the Roosevelt's leave as their legacy.
Check out "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History" if you have a chance.
