“I have always been fond of the West African proverb "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."”

— Theodore Roosevelt, Letter to Henry L. Sprague, 26 January 1900

About Theodore Roosevelt

1858 – 1919

Twenty-sixth President of the United States, known for his 1910 speech "Citizenship in a Republic".

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood...”

“The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings.”

“Is America a weakling, to shrink from the work of the great world powers?”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”