It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.
Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
The worst of all fears is the fear of living.
Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.
I would rather go out of politics having the feeling that I had done what was right than stay in with the approval of all men, knowing in my heart that I have acted as I ought not to.
The vice of envy is not only a dangerous, but a mean vice; for it is always a confession of inferiority. It may promote conduct which will be fruitful of wrong to others, and it must cause misery to the man who feels it.
At sometime in our lives a devil dwells within us, causes heartbreaks, confusion and troubles, then dies.
Yes, my friend, and if you will steal for me then you will steal from me.
Don’t hit at all if you can help it; don’t hit a man if you can possibly avoid it; but if you do hit him, put him to sleep.
We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbor, who is prompt to help a friend, but who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life.
The country is the place for children, and if not the country, a city small enough so that one can get out into the country.
My power vanishes into thin air the instant that my fellow citizens, who are straight and honest, cease to believe that I represent them and fight for what is straight and honest. That is all the strength that I have.
After the war, and until the day of his death, his position on almost every public question was either mischievous or ridiculous, and usually both.
The name Roosevelt has this legendary force in our country at this time.
Then get busy and find out how to do it.
There is a delight in the hardy life of the open.
All daring and courage, all iron endurance of misfortune-make for a finer, nobler type of manhood.
I want to see you game, boys, I want to see you brave and manly, and I also want to see you gentle and tender.
In popular government results worth while can only be achieved by men who combine worthy ideals with practical good sense.
There can be no fifty-fifty Americanism in this country. There is room here for only 100% Americanism, only for those who are Americans and nothing else.