The Wisdom of Theodore Roosevelt

Few American presidents stand as such vivid personalities in our history as Theodore Roosevelt. Through this selection of quotations and excerpts, drawn from his speeches, articles, letters, and other writing, this vibrant thinker, politician, outdoorsman, and more relays his passionate feelings on a wide array of subjects. Provided by topic and in chronological order, Roosevelt’s quotations show his evolving beliefs on everything from the strenuous life to the bully pulpit, childhood to imperialism, religion to his daughter, Alice. Throughout, the modern reader comes to understand how Roosevelt saw deeply into American society and its problems, and willed the people to mobilize and deal with issues head on.  

Few American presidents stand as such vivid personalities in our history as Theodore Roosevelt. Through this selection of quotations and excerpts, drawn from his speeches, articles, letters, and other writing, this vibrant thinker, politician, outdoorsman, and more relays his passionate feelings on a wide array of subjects. Provided by topic and in chronological order, Roosevelt’s quotations show his evolving beliefs on everything from the strenuous life to the bully pulpit, childhood to imperialism, religion to his daughter, Alice. Throughout, the modern reader comes to understand how Roosevelt saw deeply into American society and its problems, and willed the people to mobilize and deal with issues head on.  

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) was the twenty-sixth president of the United States. During his two terms in office, Roosevelt championed populist causes, including his aggressive antitrust policies and institution of the Pure Food and Drug Act. He was also one of the true Renaissance men of his time, publishing forty-six books. Before serving as president, Roosevelt was assistant secretary of the Navy, lieutenant colonel in the Rough Riders, governor of New York, and vice president under William McKinley.