Theodore Roosevelt Quotes & Sayings
Happy to read and share the best inspirational Theodore Roosevelt quotes, sayings and quotations on Wise Famous Quotes.
Ruin looks us in the face if we judge a man by his position instead of judging him by his conduct in that position. — Theodore Roosevelt
The first duty of an American citizen, then, is that he shall work in politics. — Theodore Roosevelt
Do Something Now. If not you, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? — Theodore Roosevelt
Aggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world affords. — Theodore Roosevelt
There is no effort without error or shortcoming. — Theodore Roosevelt
Not trying is the surest way of achieving nothing at all. — Theodore Roosevelt
Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right. — Theodore Roosevelt
The truth is that any good modern rifle is good enough. The determining factor is the man behind the gun. — Theodore Roosevelt
I have had a great time as president. — Theodore Roosevelt
The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight. — Theodore Roosevelt
Free speech exercised both individually and through a free press, is a necessity in any country where people are themselves free. — Theodore Roosevelt
If a strong man has not in him the lift toward lofty things, his strength makes him only a curse to himself and his neighbor. — Theodore Roosevelt
I wish to see the Bible study as much a matter of course in the secular colleges as in the seminary. — Theodore Roosevelt
If elected, I shall see to it that every man has a square deal, no less and no more. — Theodore Roosevelt
No man is justified in doing evil on the ground of expediency. — Theodore Roosevelt
Nowhere, not at sea, does a man feel more lonely than when riding over the far-reaching, seemingly never-ending plains ... — Theodore Roosevelt
We wish peace, but we wish the peace of justice, the peace of righteousness. We wish it because we think it is right and not because we are afraid. — Theodore Roosevelt
A true forest is not merely a storehouse full of wood, but, as it were, a factory of wood. — Theodore Roosevelt
Never trust a man who says he is only a little crooked, and that the crookedness is exercised in your interest. — Theodore Roosevelt
The little owls call to each other with tremulous, quavering voices throughout the livelong night, as they sit in the creaking trees. — Theodore Roosevelt
But we must keep steadily in mind that no people were ever yet benefited by riches if their prosperity corrupted their virtue. — Theodore Roosevelt
In the same way I have always regarded boxing as a first-class sport to encourage in the Young Men's Christian Association. — Theodore Roosevelt
The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice. — Theodore Roosevelt
A nation that still needs to distinguish between stealing an election, and stealing a new pair of shoes, is not completely civilized yet. — Theodore Roosevelt
It is only the warlike power of a civilized people that can give peace to the world. — Theodore Roosevelt
No man should receive a dollar unless that dollar has been fairly earned. — Theodore Roosevelt
What I am to be, I am becoming. — Theodore Roosevelt
I do not intend that our natural resources shall be exploited by the few against the interests of the many. — Theodore Roosevelt
In advocating any measure we must consider not only its justice but its practicability. — Theodore Roosevelt
We have room for but one loyalty, loyalty to the United States. — Theodore Roosevelt
If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month. — Theodore Roosevelt
The citizen must have high ideals, and yet he must be able to achieve them in
practical fashion. — Theodore Roosevelt
Work hard at work worth doing. — Theodore Roosevelt
The pacifist is as surely a traitor to his country and to humanity as is the most brutal wrongdoer. — Theodore Roosevelt
Shooting well with the rifle is the highest kind of skill, for the rifle is the queen of weapons; and it is a difficult art to learn. — Theodore Roosevelt
The modern naturalist must realize that in some of its branches his profession, while more than ever a science, has also become an art. — Theodore Roosevelt
Comparison is the thief of joy. — Theodore Roosevelt
The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. — Theodore Roosevelt
The joy of living is his who has the heart to demand it. — Theodore Roosevelt
I have often been afraid, but I would not give in to it. I made myself act as though I was not afraid and gradually my fear disappeared. — Theodore Roosevelt
The country is the place for children, and if not the country, a city small enough so that one can get out into the country. — Theodore Roosevelt
As regards the extraordinary prizes, the element of luck is the determining factor. — Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt had been enthralled with the idea of Texas since 1883, when he arrived in the Dakota Territory to ranch cattle. — Douglas Brinkley
If I have to choose between peace and righteousness, I'll choose righteousness. — Theodore Roosevelt
I do not think partisanship should ever obscure the truth. — Theodore Roosevelt
Let us live in the harness, striving mightily. — Theodore Roosevelt
I wish very much that the wrong people could be prevented entirely from breeding — Theodore Roosevelt
Under government ownership corruption can flourish just as rankly as under private ownership. — Theodore Roosevelt
I am simply unable to understand the value placed by so many people upon great wealth. — Theodore Roosevelt
All privileges based on wealth, and all emnity to honest men merely because they are wealthy, are un-American. — Theodore Roosevelt
While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life. — Theodore Roosevelt
A churchless community, a community where men have abandoned and scoffed at or ignored their religious needs, is a community on the rapid downgrade. — Theodore Roosevelt
A grove of giant redwood or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral. — Theodore Roosevelt
The light has gone out of my life. — Theodore Roosevelt
With self discipline most anything is possible. — Theodore Roosevelt
He who makes no mistakes makes no progress. — Theodore Roosevelt
The woman has the right to be emancipated from the position of a drudge or a toy. She is entitled to a full equality in rights with man ... — Theodore Roosevelt
People will love him (Theodore Roosevelt) for the enemies he has made. — Doris Kearns Goodwin
I was not going to earn money, I must even things up by not spending it. — Theodore Roosevelt
And the combination is rare. — Theodore Roosevelt
Every Man owes some of his time to the upbuilding of the profession to which he belongs. — Theodore Roosevelt
Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood - the virtues that made America. — Theodore Roosevelt
Obedience of the law is demanded; not asked as a favor. — Theodore Roosevelt
Life means change; where there is no change, death comes. — Theodore Roosevelt
We must diligently strive to make our young men decent, God-fearing, law-abiding, honor-loving, justice-doing and also fearless and strong. — Theodore Roosevelt
The foes from whom we pray to be delivered are our own passions, appetites, and follies; and against these there is always need that we should war. — Theodore Roosevelt
According to his habit, Theodore Roosevelt sought to harness anxiety through action. — Doris Kearns Goodwin
It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things. — Theodore Roosevelt
Death is always, under all circumstances, a tragedy, for if it is not then it means that life has become one. — Theodore Roosevelt
The great virtue of my radicalism lies in the fact that I am perfectly ready, if necessary, to be radical on the conservative side. — Theodore Roosevelt
To hell with the Constitution when people want coal! — Theodore Roosevelt
In a crisis, the man worth his salt is the man who meets the needs of the situation in whatever way is necessary. — Theodore Roosevelt
So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat — Theodore Roosevelt
All the resources we need are in the mind. — Theodore Roosevelt
The lunatic fringe in all reform movements. — Theodore Roosevelt
Thank God for the iron in the blood of our fathers — Theodore Roosevelt
The ordinary air fighter is an extraordinary man and the extraordinary air fighter stands as one in a million among his fellows. — Theodore Roosevelt
Freedom is not a gift which can be enjoyed save by those shown themselves worthy of it. — Theodore Roosevelt
Perhaps there is no more important component of character than steadfast resolution. — Theodore Roosevelt
In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing. — Theodore Roosevelt
Every man holds his property subject to the general right of the community to regulate its use to whatever degree the public welfare may require it. — Theodore Roosevelt
Give a man a soccer ball, he plays for a moment. Teach a man to play soccer, he plays for a life time. — Theodore Roosevelt
There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country. — Theodore Roosevelt
The bulk of government is not legislation but administration. — Theodore Roosevelt
The Constitution was made for the people and not the people for the Constitution. — Theodore Roosevelt
If I have erred, I err in company with Abraham Lincoln. — Theodore Roosevelt
The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will. — Theodore Roosevelt
Everyone loves justice in the affairs of another. — Theodore Roosevelt
Good luck belongs to those who know how and are not afraid." John Hay to President Theodore Roosevelt — John Taliaferro
The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem it will avail us little to solve all others — Theodore Roosevelt
Yes, my friend, and if you will steal for me then you will steal from me. — Theodore Roosevelt
Only those who live and sleep in the open fully realize the beauty of dawn and moonlight and starlight. — Theodore Roosevelt
It either is or ought to be evident to everyone that business has to prosper before anyone can get any benefit from it. — Theodore Roosevelt
Nothing is gained by debate on non-debatable subjects. — Theodore Roosevelt
Politeness [is] a sign of dignity, not subservience. — Theodore Roosevelt
Gradually the true Mason gains experience in using these working tools and can observe subtler and subtler indications of personal flaws. — Theodore Roosevelt
Unless the man is master of his soul all other kinds of mastery amount to little. — Theodore Roosevelt
I have already lived and enjoyed as much life as any nine other men I have known. — Theodore Roosevelt
We are the heirs of the ages — Theodore Roosevelt
I'm as strong as a bull moose and you can use me to the limit. — Theodore Roosevelt
FAQs
What was the most famous Theodore Roosevelt quote? ›
The famous Theodore Roosevelt quote about striving valiantly and daring greatly. “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
What are 5 famous quotes? ›- The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ...
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ...
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ...
- If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -
“We Americans have many grave problems to solve, many threatening evils to fight, and many deeds to do, if, as we hope and believe, we have the wisdom, the strength, and the courage and the virtue to do them. But we must face facts as they are.
What is a really famous quote? ›"I have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the most famous quote by a president? ›Abraham Lincoln: "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today." Theodore Roosevelt: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Harry S. Truman: "It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
What was Teddy Roosevelt's motto? ›Big stick ideology, big stick diplomacy, or big stick policy refers to President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy, "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far".
What are some 3 word quotes? ›- “I'll be there.”
- “I love you.”
- “Maybe you're right.”
- “I trust you.”
- “Go for it.”
- “Got your back.”
- “How are you?”
- “I want you.”
- “ May the Force be with you.” - Star Wars, 1977.
- “ There's no place like home.” - The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
- “ I'm the king of the world!” - ...
- “ Carpe diem. ...
- “ Elementary, my dear Watson.” - ...
- “ It's alive! ...
- “ My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. ...
- “ I'll be back.” -
He went on to explain, quoting Hockey Hall of Famer, Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.” This was the first time anything sports-related resonated with me, and since then this powerful quote has stuck with me because it's so true!
What was Theodore Roosevelt last words? ›The last words of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president, who died at age 61 on Jan. 6, 1919, were: “James, will you please put out the light.” James was his valet. It is believed Roosevelt died of a blood clot to his lungs.
How did Churchill feel about Roosevelt? ›
After Roosevelt's death on April 12, 1945 Churchill said, “I conceived an admiration for him as a statesman, a man of affairs and a war leader.” Churchill then added, “He was the greatest American friend that Britain ever found.” It was their personal bond which forged the “Special Relationship.”
What was Theodore Roosevelt's famous speech? ›Citizenship in a Republic is the title of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt, former President of the United States, at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, on April 23, 1910.
What is the coolest quote ever? ›“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” “This above all: to thine own self be true.” “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”
Who is most powerful quote? ›- 21 Of The World's Most Powerful Quotes, Updated For Today. ...
- “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi. ...
- “Everybody is a genius. ...
- “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” — George Bernhard Shaw.
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.” ...
- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ...
- “Act as if what you do makes a difference. ...
- “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” ...
- “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” ...
- “Limit your 'always' and your 'nevers'.”
"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." "Inaugural Address (1)," January 20, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1961.
What is George Washington's favorite quote? ›"Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country."
What are good presidential quotes? ›- “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” ―Woodrow Wilson.
- “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” ―Dwight D. ...
- “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” ― Lyndon B.
The programs focused on what historians refer to as the "3 R's": relief for the unemployed and for the poor, recovery of the economy back to normal levels, and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat depression.
What does Teddy Roosevelt fear? ›According to new research, Teddy Roosevelt's greatest fear was baseball.
What words describe Theodore Roosevelt? ›
Full of energy and excitement, hard-driving, and childlike—these are words people used to describe Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States. When Roosevelt took office in 1901, some people were delighted. Others were disappointed. He always spoke his mind, and he always did what he thought was right.
What are 2 inspirational quotes? ›- “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” — ...
- “Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.” — ...
- “Don't settle for average. ...
- “Show up, show up, show up, and after a while the muse shows up, too.” — ...
- “Don't bunt.
The first word in a quotation that is a complete sentence is capitalized, but the first word in a partial quotation is not: He said, “Life is just one damned thing after another.” He called journalism “literature in a hurry.”
What was John Wayne's famous saying? ›1. "Whoa, take 'er easy there, Pilgrim." 2. "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway."
What is the deepest quotes ever? ›- “The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.” ...
- “If you want to overcome the whole world, overcome yourself.” ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
- “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. ...
- “Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one.”
The problem with that was summed up brilliantly by hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." In other words, you can't succeed unless you try. And that means you have to take action. It doesn't have to be a huge step.
Who said I've missed more than 9000 shots? ›As basketball icon Michael Jordan famously said: “I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed.
When did Wayne Gretzky say his famous quote? ›“Me: To where the puck is going, not where it's been.” This description in confirmed in Walter Gretzky's book, Gretzky: From the Back Yard Rink to the Stanley Cup, which came out in 1984, co-authored by Jim Taylor.
What were Roosevelt's famous words? ›"I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a New Deal for the American People." "In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice...the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man."
What did Einstein say to Roosevelt? ›In August 1939, Einstein wrote to U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt to warn him that the Nazis were working on a new and powerful weapon: an atomic bomb. Fellow physicist Leo Szilard urged Einstein to send the letter and helped him draft it.
What President gave the longest speech? ›
Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address to date, running 8,445 words. He wrote the entire speech himself, though it was edited by soon-to-be Secretary of State, Daniel Webster. Webster said afterwards that in the process of reducing the text, he had "killed seventeen Roman proconsuls".
Why didn't Churchill go to FDR's funeral? ›Churchill told his wife: “I decided not to fly to Roosevelt's funeral on account of much that was going on here” (per Mary Soames). He wrote to Harry Hopkins: “… everyone here thought my duty next week lay at home, at a time when so many Ministers are out of the country” (per Martin Gilbert).
Did Churchill ever meet Theodore Roosevelt? ›The lives of Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill overlapped, but they met in person only once — at a dinner in the Governor's Mansion in Albany, New York on December 10, 1900. The 42-year old Roosevelt was about to relocate to Washington DC to assume his duties as Vice President.
What did Winston Churchill say when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor? ›Japan attacked the United States fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. President Roosevelt cabled Churchill, "Today all of us are in the same boat...and it is a ship which will not and cannot be sunk." "That night," Churchill later recalled, "I slept the sleep of the saved and thankful."
What did Theodore Roosevelt say after being shot? ›Roosevelt stumbled, but straightened himself, and again raised his hat, with a reassuring smile upon his face. His aide, Harry Cochems, asked Roosevelt if he was hit, and Roosevelt simply said assuredly, "He pinked me, Harry." As Schrank was subdued and held up on his feet, the crowd went into a frenzy.
What was Theodore Roosevelt most famous for? ›Roosevelt prioritized conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments to preserve the nation's natural resources. In foreign policy, he focused on Central America, where he began construction of the Panama Canal.
What were Roosevelt's talks called? ›The fireside chats were a series of evening radio addresses given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, between 1933 and 1944.
What is most difficult quote? ›- “Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.” ...
- “What is the hardest, but best thing in life? ...
- “To be successful, one has to be one of three bees - the queen bee, the hardest working bee, or the bee that does not fit in.
- 'Straighten the horns and kill the bull' ...
- 'There is no cow on the ice' ...
- 'Pretend to be an Englishman' ...
- 'Not my circus, not my monkeys' ...
- 'God gives nuts to the man with no teeth' ...
- 'To set the dogs on someone' ...
- 'Going where the Czar goes on foot'
- Pursue Passion More Than Profit. ...
- Hard Work Beats Talent. ...
- Excellence, Not Perfection. ...
- Big is Little and Little is Big. ...
- You Choose Your Spouse, Not Your Child.
Who is the most quoted man? ›
The 'Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations' places Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw in first and second place as most quoted. OSCAR Wilde has been named as the “most quotable figure” in the history of the English language.
What are some badass quotes? ›- “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” ...
- “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” ...
- “The best revenge is massive success.” ...
- “If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?” ...
- “I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me.
- The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ...
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ...
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ...
- If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -
“Do your best with what you have.” “You don't have to be the best, but you should always do your best.” “Doing your best isn't an activity; it's a mindset.” “In some cases, trying is better than doing because it indicates that you are attempting things hard enough to fail.”
What is the most famous quote in Roosevelt's inauguration speech? ›He stated, “Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously”.
What did Roosevelt say about freedom? ›In the address, Roosevelt critiqued Isolationism, saying: "No realistic American can expect from a dictator's peace international generosity, or return of true independence, or world disarmament, or freedom of expression, or freedom of religion–or even good business.
What is the square deal quote? ›"All I ask is a square deal for every man. Give him a fair chance. Do not let him wrong any one, and do not let him be wronged." The promise of American life, Roosevelt knew, was to be found in the equality of opportunity.
When did Roosevelt say fear itself? ›A phrase from the 1933 inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Who said fear is fear itself? ›Assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. He brought hope as he promised prompt, vigorous action, and asserted in his Inaugural Address, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Who gave the shortest inauguration speech ever? ›George Washington's second inaugural address remains the shortest ever delivered, at just 135 words.
What did Roosevelt say about human Rights? ›
In his annual address to Congress on January 6, President Roosevelt told the nation that “we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.” He enumerated freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from want, “everywhere in the world.” The fourth was freedom from fear, meaning freedom from ...
Who said the Four Freedoms speech? ›This speech, delivered by President Franklin Roosevelt on January 6, 1941, became known as his "Four Freedoms Speech" due to a short closing portion in which he described his vision for extending American ideals throughout the world.
What was Theodore famous for? ›Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (/ˈroʊzəvɛlt/ ROH-zə-velt; October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), often referred to as Teddy or by his initials, T. R., was an American politician, statesman, soldier, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909.
What were the 3 C's of Roosevelt's Square Deal? ›More recently, historians have distilled the Square Deal to the “three C's” of consumer protection, corporate regulation, and conservationism, as shorthand for the most important domestic goals of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency.
What was Theodore Roosevelt speech about? ›Speech. Roosevelt made the case for what he called "the New Nationalism" in a speech in Osawatomie, Kansas, on August 31, 1910. The central issue he argued was government protection of human welfare and property rights, but he also argued that human welfare was more important than property rights.