Americanism is a question of principle, of idealism, of character. It is not a matter of birthplace, or creed, or line of descent.
Theodore RooseveltRead
I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of hard work and effort over a life of comfort and ease.
Theodore Roosevelt advocates for a life characterized by hard work, perseverance, and struggle, arguing that embracing challenges leads to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. He contrasts the appealing but ultimately detrimental doctrine of living a life of comfort and ease with the idea that a strenuous life, full of effort and commitment to goals, is far more rewarding and honorable. Roosevelt's perspective encourages individuals to seek out challenges rather than shy away from them, thereby achieving personal growth and contributing positively to society.
Themes
Hard WorkMotivationEffortStruggleLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of resilience, this quote can inspire attendees to embrace challenges.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
All quotes βIt tires me to talk to rich men. You expect a man of millions, the head of a great industry, to be a man worthhearing; but as a rule they don't know anything outside their own business.
Theodore RooseveltRead
No man should receive a dollar unless that dollar has been fairly earned.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Conservation means development as much as it does protection._x000D_ _x000D_ A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals insofar as he can.
Theodore RooseveltRead
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 them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.
Theodore RooseveltRead
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