Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 1, 1900
If there is one tendency of the day which more than any other is unhealthy and undesirable, it is the tendency to deify mere “smartness,” unaccompanied by a sense of moral accountability.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

From an essay on national character, this passage criticizes the societal tendency to value cleverness above moral responsibility.

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Aug 30, 1910

Every special interest is entitled to justice—full, fair, and complete—and, now, mind you, if there were any attempt by mob-violence to plunder and work harm to the special interest, whatever it may be, that I most dislike, and the wealthy…

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