Teddy Roosevelt: “How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnish’d, not to…”

On the record

How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!

Said by

Republican · New York

Source

This quote reflects Roosevelt's belief in the importance of active engagement in life rather than passivity.

More from Teddy Roosevelt

Nov 4, 1912

I congratulate you thereon.

Nov 4, 1912

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

Oct 13, 1912

I am absorbed in the success of that movement.

Oct 13, 1912

I don’t know anything about who the man was who shot me to-night.

Other voices in this conversation

Teddy Roosevelt: “How dull it is to pause, to make an end, To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!”