Portrait of Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt

US President, progressive era

Modern influential 133 sayings

Sayings by Theodore Roosevelt

Unless we are willing to fight for our ideals, we shall lose them.

1912 — Address to the American Historical Association
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There is no limit to the good a man can do if he doesn't care who gets the credit.

Unknown — Attributed to Roosevelt, often used in leadership contexts
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The greatest danger that can befall any nation is that of a slackening in its moral fiber.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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I do not want to be a professional politician.

1884 — Letter to Henry Cabot Lodge
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The American people are not a nation of mollycoddles.

1910 — Speech in Fargo, North Dakota
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I do not want to be a mere figurehead. I want to be a leader.

1898 — Letter to Henry Cabot Lodge
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We cannot afford to be a nation of weaklings.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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I believe in a strong navy, and I believe in a strong army, and I believe in a strong foreign policy.

1912 — Speech during the 1912 presidential campaign
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I preach to you, then, my countrymen, that our country calls not for the life of ease but for the life of strenuous endeavor.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.

1910 — Speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, 'New Nationalism'
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I have a perfect horror of the man who is all head and no heart.

1898 — Letter to Henry Cabot Lodge
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It is not what we have, but what we do with what we have, that determines our character.

Unknown — Attributed to Roosevelt
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I believe in the Square Deal. I believe in fair play. I believe in a square deal for every man, big or small, rich or poor, white or black.

1903 — Speech in Spokane, Washington
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The proper time to do a thing is when it has to be done, and the proper way to do it is to do it right.

Unknown — Attributed to Roosevelt
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I have always been for the man who is willing to take off his coat and go to work.

1904 — Speech in St. Louis
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We need to get rid of the idea that we can be a great nation without being a strong nation.

1899 — Speech, 'The Strenuous Life'
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I am not afraid of an honest fight.

1912 — Speech during the 1912 presidential campaign
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The greatest good for the greatest number.

Early 1900s — Often associated with his progressive policies
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I have always been a great believer in the power of public opinion.

1898 — Letter to Henry Cabot Lodge
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I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

1908 — Quoting Psalm 84:10, used in a speech
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