Whether it is Nelson, the greatest of all admirals, at Aboukir, Copenhagen, or Trafalgar; or Farragut, second only to Nelson, at New Orleans or Mobile; or Dewey at Manila—the great occasion must meet with the great man, or the result will be at worst a failure, at best an indecisive success.
This passage uses historical naval commanders to illustrate the principle that successful outcomes in critical situations depend on the convergence of a significant event with an exceptional leader.
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More from Teddy Roosevelt
The fate of the leader for the time being is of little consequence, but the cause itself must in the end triumph, for its triumph is essential to the well-being of the American people.
Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.
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