Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 1, 1900
While we should, so long as we can safely do so, give to each individual the largest possible liberty, a liberty which necessarily includes initiative and responsibility, yet we must not hesitate to interfere whenever it is clearly seen that harm comes from excessive individualism.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

From "The Strenuous Life," Roosevelt articulates the need to balance individual liberty, including initiative and responsibility, with state intervention when extreme individualism causes harm.

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