Political Quotes

On the record
I do not know whether I most pity or despise the foolish and selfish man or woman who does not understand that the only things really worth having in life are those the acquirement of which normally means cost and effort.
Said by
Teddy Roosevelt
Republican · New York

Editor's note · Context

Roosevelt reflects on the importance of effort and sacrifice in achieving meaningful goals in life.

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More from Teddy Roosevelt

Mar 1, 1909

The boundaries of said National Forest are now as shown on the said diagram.

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Apr 22, 1910

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles.

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Nov 4, 1912

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

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Aug 30, 1910

Our country—this great Republic—means nothing unless it means the triumph of a real democracy, the triumph of popular government, and, in the long run, of an economic system under which each man shall be guaranteed the opportunity to show…

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