Theodore Roosevelt

There is a homely adage which runs, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." If the American nation will speak softly and yet build and keep at a pitch of the highest training a thoroughly efficient navy, the Monroe Doctrine will go far.

The object of government is the welfare of the people. The material progress and prosperity of a nation are desirable chiefly so far as they lead to the moral and material welfare of all good citizens.

I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life.

Far away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground.

Nine-tenths of wisdom consists of being wise in time.

We can have no "50-50" allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all.

There never has been devised, and there never will be devised, any law which will enable a man to succeed save by the exercise of those qualities which have always been the prerequisites of success - the qualities of hard work, of keen intelligence, of unflinching will.

Courage, hard work, self-mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to successful life.