They were incapable of supporting a great constructive statesman in a great crisis; and this, not because they were too virtuous, but because they lacked the necessary common-sense and power of subordination of self to enable them to work disinterestedly with others for the common good.
In an essay on the strenuous life, this passage critiques those who fail to support effective leadership due to a lack of common sense and self-subordination.
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More from Teddy Roosevelt
Like all other good citizens, I accept the result with entire good humor and contentment.
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.
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