Character must show itself in the man'performance both of the duty he owes himself and of the duty he owes the state. The man's foremast duty is owed to himself and his family; and he can do this duty only by earning money, by providing what is essential to material wellbeing;it is only after this has been done that he can hope to build a higher superstructure on the solid material foundation; it is only after this has been done that he can help in his movements for the general well-being. He must pull his own weight first, and only after this can his surplus strength be of use to the general public. It is not good to excite that bitter laughter which expresses contempt; and contempt is what we feel for the being whose enthusiasm to benefit mankind is such that he is a burden to those nearest him; who wishes to-do great things for humanity in the abstract, but who cannot keep his wife uncomfort or educate his children.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Comparison is the thief of joy.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Do what you can with what you have where you are.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Every book of tactics in the regiment was in use from morning until night, and the officers and non-commissioned officers were always studying the problems presented at the schools.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

— Theodore Roosevelt

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

— Theodore Roosevelt