The quotations of

Theodore Roosevelt

26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909

1858–1919

75 quotes, most often on America, Politics and Success. Part of the U.S. Presidents collection.

We shall make mistakes; and if we let these mistakes frighten us from our work we shall show ourselves weaklings.
National Duties (Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick) (1901)
- Courage
- Failure
The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.
Speech before the Colorado Live Stock Association, Denver, Colorado (August 29, 1910); in The New Nationalism (1910), p. 52
- Nature
- Responsibility
There can be no effective control of corporations while their political activity remains.
The New Nationalism (1910)
- Business
- Politics
We must treat each man on his worth and merits as a man. We must see that each is given a square deal, because he is entitled to no more and should receive no less.
A Square Deal (1903)
- Justice
We despise and abhor the bully, the brawler, the oppressor, whether in private or public life, but we despise no less the coward and the voluptuary.
Nobel lecture (1910)
- Character
- Courage
The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants.
Kansas City Star (7 May 1918)
- Presidency
Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do ourselves when we let the vices of envy and hatred enter deep into our own natures.
Speech at Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island (23 August 1902), Presidential Addresses and State Papers (1910), p. 103.
- Envy
- Money
A healthy republican government must rest upon individuals, not upon classes or sections.
A Square Deal (1903)
- Government
Happiness can not come to any man capable of enjoying true happiness unless it comes as the sequel to duty well and honestly done.
Address at the Prize Day Exercises at Groton School (1904)
- Happiness
- Responsibility
In private life there are few beings more obnoxious than the man who is always loudly boasting; and if the boaster is not prepared to back up his words his position becomes absolutely contemptible.
National Duties (Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick) (1901)
- Character
- Pride
If we are to be a really great people, we must strive in good faith to play a great part in the world.
The Strenuous Life (1899)
- America
We are all Americans. Our common interests are as broad as the continent.
The New Nationalism (1910)
- America
- Patriotism
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.
Inaugural Address (1905)
- Justice
- War & Peace
Inefficiency is a curse; and no good intention atones for weakness of will and flabbiness of moral, mental, and physical fiber.
The Progressives, Past and Present (1910)
- Character
A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb: “Speak softly and carry a big stick⁠—you will go far.” If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble; and neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, power.
National Duties (Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick) (1901)

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