He possessed abilities of the first order, which he was disposed to underrate, because he set so much greater store upon the moral qualities which we bring together under the single word "character.
This quote illustrates Roosevelt's self-perception and the value he placed on moral qualities over abilities.
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When the future historian traces Theodore Roosevelt's extraordinary career he will find these embodied ideals planted like milestones along the road over which he marched.
His country asked the sacrifice and he gave it with solemn pride and uncomplaining lips.
His ideal of public service was to be found in his life, and as his life drew to its close he had to meet his ideal of sacrifice face to face.
So Valiant-for-Truth passed over and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.