Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 1, 1900
The visionary or the self-seeking knave who promises the golden impossible, and the credulous dupe who is taken in by such a promise, and who in clutching at the impossible loses the chance of securing the real though lesser good, are as old as the political organizations of mankind.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

This quote describes a timeless political dynamic where unrealistic promises from demagogues exploit the credulity of the public, hindering practical progress.

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
Oct 13, 1912

I want every labor man, every labor leader, every organized union man, to take the lead in denouncing crime or violence.

presidency.ucsb.edu
Mar 1, 1909

Now, Therefore, I, Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the power in me vested by an Act of Congress, approved June fourth, eighteen hundred and ninety-seven, entitled, 'An Act Making appropriations…

presidency.ucsb.edu
Apr 22, 1910

Shame on the man of cultivated taste who permits refinement to develop into a fastidiousness that unfits him for doing the rough work of a workaday world.

presidency.ucsb.edu

Other voices in this conversation