01c. 1888 ADThere has never yet been a person in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
02c. 1888 ADWe should not take part in acting a lie any more than in telling a lie. Weshould not say that men are equal where they are not equal, nor proceed uponthe assumption that there is an equality where it does not exist; but we shouldstrive to bring about a measurable equality, at least to the extent of preventingthe inequality which is due to force or fraud.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
03c. 1888 ADThe citizen must have high ideals, and yet he must be able to achieve them inpractical fashion.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
04c. 1888 ADIndeed, it is a sign of marked political weakness in anycommonwealth if the people tend to be carried away by mere oratory, if theytend to value words in and for themselves, as divorced from the deeds for whichthey are supposed to stand. The phrase-maker, the phrase-monger, the readytalker, however great his power, whose speech does not make for courage,sobriety, and right understanding, is simply a noxious element in the bodypolitic, and it speaks ill for the public if he has influence over them. To admirethe gift of oratory without regard to the moral quality behind the gift is to dowrong to the republic.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
05c. 1888 ADThat is why I decline to recognize the meremultimillionaire, the man of mere wealth, as an asset of value to any country;and especially as not an asset to my own country. If he has earned or uses hiswealth in a way that makes him a real benefit, of real use- and such is often thecase- why, then he does become an asset of real worth.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
06c. 1888 ADCharacter must show itself in the man'sperformance both of the duty he owes himself and of the duty he owes the state.The man's foremast duty is owed to himself and his family; and he can do thisduty only by earning money, by providing what is essential to material wellbeing;it is only after this has been done that he can hope to build a highersuperstructure on the solid material foundation; it is only after this has beendone that he can help in his movements for the general well-being. He must pullhis own weight first, and only after this can his surplus strength be of use to thegeneral public. It is not good to excite that bitter laughter which expressescontempt; and contempt is what we feel for the being whose enthusiasm tobenefit mankind is such that he is a burden to those nearest him; who wishes todo great things for humanity in the abstract, but who cannot keep his wife incomfort or educate his children.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
07c. 1888 ADWide differences of opinion in matters of religious, political, and social belief must exist if conscience and intellect alike are not to be stunted, if there is to be room for healthy growth.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
08c. 1888 ADBe practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
09c. 1888 ADIn any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
10c. 1888 ADI have only a second rate brain, but I think I have a capacity for action.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
11c. 1888 ADAggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world affords.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
12c. 1888 ADCharacter, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
13c. 1888 ADBodily vigor is good, and vigor of intellect is even better, but far above both is character. It is true, of course, that a genius may, on certain lines, do more than a brave and manly fellow who is not a genius; and so, in sports, vast physical strength may overcome weakness, even though the puny body may have in it the heart of a lion. But, in the long run, in the great battle of life, no brilliancy of intellect, no perfection of bodily development, will count when weighed in the balance against that assemblage of virtues, active and passive, of moral qualities, which we group together under the name of character; and if between any two contestants, even in college sport or in college work, the difference in character on the right side is as great as the difference of intellect or strength the other way, it is the character side that will win.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
14c. 1888 ADThe government is us; WE are the government, you and I."- Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
15c. 1888 ADThe President and the Congress are all very well in their way. They can say what they think they think, but it rests with the Supreme Court to decide what they have really thought.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
16c. 1888 ADThat was a good mark in Latin, and I am pleased with your steady improvement in it.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
17c. 1888 ADPeace is normally a great good, and normally it coincides with righteousness, but it is righteousness and not peace which should bind the conscience of a nation as it should bind the conscience of an individual; and neither a nation nor an individual can surrender conscience to another's keeping.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
18c. 1888 ADEvery book of tactics in the regiment was in use from morning until night, and the officers and non-commissioned officers were always studying the problems presented at the schools.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
20c. 1888 ADIt is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
21c. 1888 ADOf all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
22c. 1888 ADIn order to succeed we need leaders of inspired idealism, leaders to whom are granted great visions, who dream greatly and strive to make their dreams come true; who can kindle the people with the fire from their own burning souls. The leader for the time being, whoever he may be, is but an instrument, to be used until broken and then to be cast aside; and if he is worth his salt he will care no more when he is broken than a soldier cares when he is sent where his life is forfeit in order that the victory may be won.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
23c. 1888 ADA vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
24c. 1888 ADA great democracy has got to be progressive or it will soon cease to be great or a democracy.Theodore Roosevelt / quote ↗
