But the possession or preaching of these high ideals may not only be useless, but a source of positive harm, if unaccompanied by practical good sense, if they do not lead to the effort to get the best possible when the perfect best is not attainable—and in this life the perfect best rarely is attainable.
Roosevelt cautions that high ideals, without practical application and a willingness to compromise for achievable good, can become detrimental.
Share
More from Teddy Roosevelt
The fate of the leader for the time being is of little consequence, but the cause itself must in the end triumph, for its triumph is essential to the well-being of the American people.
The American people by a great plurality have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift.
Other voices in this conversation
