Theodore Roosevelt

US President, progressive era

Modern influential 133 sayings

Sayings by Theodore Roosevelt

I have always been a man who has believed in the importance of outdoor life, and I have always been a man who has believed in the importance of physical fitness.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'equal opportunity for all, special privileges for none.'

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a man who has been interested in the welfare of the common man, and I have always been a man who has been interested in the welfare of the working man.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'conservation of natural resources.'

1908 — Speech at the Governors' Conference on Conservation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a man who has been interested in the promotion of international peace, and I have always been a man who has been interested in the promotion of international justice.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'the strenuous life.'

1899 — Speech to the Hamilton Club, Chicago
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'the big stick in foreign policy.'

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'the New Nationalism.'

1910 — Speech in Osawatomie, Kansas
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a strong believer in the doctrine of 'the square deal for the small businessman.'

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a man who has been interested in the development of American agriculture, and I have always been a man who has been interested in the development of American manufacturing.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a man who has been interested in the promotion of American inventiveness, and I have always been a man who has been interested in the promotion of American ingenuity.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.

1901 — Speech in Chicago
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don’t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn’t like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth.

1886 — Speech on American expansionism
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast enough.

1885 — Reflecting on his love of vigorous exercise
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

No man is justified in doing evil on the ground of expediency.

1903 — Speech on ethics in politics
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Don’t hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.

1900 — Advice to his children
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't think that any entirely civilized people can fight with the tremendous and joyous ferocity which characterizes the Zulu or Apache.

1899 — The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses
Controversial Unverifiable

The most important thing for the white man is to be sure that he does not give way to the black man. We have got to keep our civilization pure.

1901 — Letter to Owen Wister
Controversial Unverifiable

I have always been fond of the West African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.'

1901 — Speech at Minnesota State Fair
Controversial Unverifiable

I do not believe that the average negro is a fit associate for white men.

1902 — Letter to Owen Wister
Controversial Unverifiable