Political Quotes

Teddy Roosevelt: There is, first, the wrong of failing to keep a promise made, and, in the next place, there is the wrong of demanding…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1900
There is, first, the wrong of failing to keep a promise made, and, in the next place, there is the wrong of demanding the impossible, and therefore forcing or permitting weak or unscrupulous men to make a promise which they either know, or should know, can not be kept.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

In "The Strenuous Life," Roosevelt identifies two distinct moral failings: breaking promises and demanding unrealistic commitments.

Share

More from Teddy Roosevelt

Nov 4, 1912

Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Aug 30, 1910

Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him work diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Feb 23, 1912

Therefore I hope that so far as possible the people may be given the chance, through direct primaries, to express their preference as to who shall be the nominee of the Republican Presidential Convention.

presidency.ucsb.edu

Other voices in this conversation