Quotes from Theodore Roosevelt

A number of the heads of the offices were slippery politicians of a low moral grade, themselves appointed under the spoils system, and anxious, directly or indirectly, to break down the merit system and to pay their own political debts by appointing their henchmen and supporters to the positions under them. Occasionally these men acted with open and naked brutality. Ordinarily they sought by cunning to evade the law.

Nothing of value comes without effort.

It is an incalculable added pleasure to any one's sum of happiness if he or she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.

When I hear of the destruction of a species ... I just feel as if all the the works of some great writer had perished.

Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination

I do not like to see young Christians with shoulders that slope like a champagne bottle.

With self-discipline most anything is possible.

Justice among the nations of mankind, and the uplifting of humanity, can be brought about only by those strong and daring men who with wisdom love peace

It is far better to dare mighty triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to dwell with those poor and timid souls knowing neither victory nor defeat.

Tremble in His midst so as to never falter in the midst of the grave responsibilities of life. Humility properly placed is the only sure foundation of leadership.

Love of peace is common among weak, short-sighted, timid, and lazy persons; and on the other hand courage is found among many men of evil temper and bad character. Neither quality shall by itself avail.

One of the prime dangers of civilization has always been its tendency to cause the loss of virile fighting virtues, of the fighting edge. When men get too comfortable and lead too luxurious lives, there is always a danger lest the softness eat like an acid into their manliness of fiber. The

Is it any wonder that I loved my regiment?

Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.

If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.

Now and then I am asked as to 'what books a statesman should read,' and my answer is, poetry and novels – including short stories under the head of novels.

This was my first real lesson in politics… If you are cast on a desert island with only a screwdriver, hatchet, and the chisel to make a boat with, why, go and make the best one you can. It would be better if you had a saw, but you haven't, so with men.

A politician who really serves his country well, and deserves his country's gratitude, must usually possess some of the hardy virtues which we admire in the soldier who serves his country well in the field. Far

Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die; and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life and the duty of life.

The only way to get good service is to give somebody power to render it, facing the fact that power which will enable a man to do a job well will also necessarily enable him to do it ill if he is the wrong kind of man.

I do not think partisanship should ever obscure the truth.

life is a great adventure, and the worst of all fears is the fear of living.

That is why I decline to recognize the mere multimillionaire, the man of mere wealth, as an asset of value to any country; and especially as not an asset to my own country. If he has earned or uses his wealth in a way that makes him a real benefit, of real use- and such is often the case- why, then he does become an asset of real worth.

We stand at Armageddon and we battle for the Lord.