Theodore Roosevelt

US President, progressive era

Modern influential 133 sayings

Sayings by Theodore Roosevelt

The hand that holds the ballot box is the hand that rules the world.

1895 — Speech in New York City
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I believe in the gospel of work.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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We must dare to be great.

1905 — Speech at the Harvard Union
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I have never been an admirer of the man who is always looking for an excuse.

Unknown — Attributed to Roosevelt
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The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, and love of soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of life.

1917 — Letter to Kermit Roosevelt
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I am a practical man, and I believe in practical policies.

1904 — Speech in St. Louis
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A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterward.

1903 — Speech in Springfield, Illinois, advocating for veterans' rights
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I believe in the cultivation of the wild.

Early 1900s — From his writings on conservation
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The government is us; we are the government, you and I.

1903 — Speech in Syracuse, New York
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I have always been a strong advocate of the policy of 'a fair field and no favor.'

1903 — Letter to Seth Low
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The joy of life is to be used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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It is not enough to be good; you must be good for something.

Unknown — Attributed to Roosevelt
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I am a firm believer in the doctrine that a man should do his best, and let the rest take care of itself.

1898 — Letter to Henry Cabot Lodge
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