Four Freedoms Speech Theme of Happiness

FDR addresses happiness in two ways…and neither of them, mysteriously, has anything to do with bubble baths, pints of cookie-dough ice cream, or using a new toothbrush for the first time.

First, he asks his audience to recognize the happiness they have known as citizens who thrive under conditions that support "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." (No one's talking about the hardships of the Great Depression here, but the implication is that joy and hope spring eternal despite harsh living conditions, thanks to American civil liberties.)

He then claims that that happiness is potentially a thing of the past because tyrants are coming to take it away. Dum dum dummm.
This frightening thought opens the gate for FDR to discuss happiness in another way—as something worth saving and protecting. He characterizes it as a fragile thing, like a little bunny that should be carefully stashed away until danger has passed. The idea is that to fight for a precious and delicate happiness in the present would result in an abundance of happiness in the future.

Of course, both of these ideas are linked to American democracy, the virtues of which he believes directly lead to happiness itself. Still, we think no mention of bubble baths = happiness is a complete oversight on FDR's part.

1. What are some examples from the speech where FDR correlates happiness with democracy? Do these examples relate to the Four Freedoms, and if so, which ones?
2. Yes or no: is FDR saying no one should be happy until World War II is over? Explain your answer.
3. According to FDR, does it seem that happiness is attainable without democracy?
4. During wartime, is unhappiness in the present acceptable in the name of happiness in the future? Looking at the speech, what does FDR think? What do you think?

FDR doesn't directly tell his audience that they can't be happy during wartime, but he does suggest that there are more important and even more gratifying emotional experiences than happiness, e.g. patriotism, loyalty, and a sense of unity.

FDR's Four Freedoms are the seeds from which happiness grows because happiness is much more than laughter and smiles—it's the result of unwavering human dignity.