We can never as a nation afford to forget that, back of our reason, our understanding, and our common-sense, there must lie, in full strength, the tremendous fundamental passions, which are not often needed, but which every truly great race must have as a well-spring of motive in time of need.
In a reflection on national character, this quote asserts that fundamental passions, though often latent, are essential wellsprings of action for a great nation in times of need.
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More from Teddy Roosevelt
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles.
The American people by a great plurality have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift.
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.
A broken promise is bad enough in private life. It is worse in the field of politics.
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