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
Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Use gentle communication while being prepared to enforce your authority if necessary.
This quote emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and kindness in leadership, suggesting that effective leaders should approach situations with a soft demeanor while also being equipped with the capability to act decisively when needed. It implies that a balance of tact and strength is essential for achieving success and influence.
Themes
LeadershipDiplomacyAuthorityStrengthCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a corporate presentation to motivate a team.
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.
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No man should receive a dollar unless that dollar has been fairly earned.
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Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
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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.
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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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