Most of man's problems upon this planet, in the long history of the race, have been met and solved either partially or as a whole by experiment based on common sense and carried out with courage.

Frances Perkins’ quote emphasizes the importance of experiment and common sense in solving the major problems faced by humanity throughout history. She suggests that many of the challenges encountered by mankind have been addressed through practical, rational approaches that involve trial and error. The use of common sense refers to decisions based on logical reasoning and experience, while courage highlights the bravery required to take risks and implement new ideas, even when the outcome is uncertain. Perkins believes that these combined elements have been essential in solving complex issues.

The phrase "experiment based on common sense" implies that solutions to problems do not always come from abstract theories but from grounded, practical approaches that are tested in real-world situations. Perkins underscores that throughout history, humanity has made progress not by relying on untested ideas but by applying pragmatic methods and learning from experimentation. Courage, in this context, is necessary to move forward with these experiments, as it requires taking risks and facing potential failure in the pursuit of a solution.

Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet as Secretary of Labor, was a pioneer in social welfare and labor reforms. Her work in shaping key New Deal policies reflects her belief in the power of practical solutions to societal issues. She was instrumental in implementing labor protections, social security, and unemployment insurance, all of which were based on experiments rooted in common sense and courage to address the suffering caused by the Great Depression.

The origin of this quote lies in Perkins' deep commitment to social justice and pragmatic reform. She understood that progress in addressing social issues often comes through trial, error, and applying solutions that work for the collective good. This quote captures her conviction that the combination of common sense, experimentation, and courage has historically been central to improving society and solving humanity's most pressing problems.