“In life as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don’t foul and don’t shirk, but hit the line hard.”

The Strenuous Life
April 10, 1899

“…the people who wish to work for decent politics must work practically, and yet must not swerve from their devotion to a high ideal. They must actually do things, and not merely confine themselves to criticizing those that do them.”

“True Americanism”

“No President ever enjoyed himself in the Presidency as much as I did; and no President after leaving the office took as much joy in life as I am taking.”

Letter to Lady Delamere
March 7, 1911

“Prosperity can only permanently come to this country on a basis of honesty and fair treatment for all.”

Speech in Louisville, Kentucky
April 3, 1912

“It is a good thing to have a sound body, it is a better thing to have a sound mind; but what we need is that which is greater than body or mind – character.”

Speech in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
April 6, 1903

“May all good fortune attend you and yours throughout the year that is opening.”

Letter to Jacob Riis
January 8, 1902

“A merry Christmas to you!”

Seasons Greetings Letter to Edward Hale
December 26, 1903

“In addition to decency, morality, virtue, clean living, you must have hardihood, resolution, the power to do, the power to dare, the power to endure, and when you have that combination, then you get the proper type of American citizenship.”

Address in Claremont, California
May 8, 1903

“The greatest piece of good luck that can befall any one of us is to have the chance to take part in some work worth doing, and to do it well.”

Speech in Kansas City
September 24, 1912

“It is eminently fitting that once a year our people should set apart a day for praise and thanksgiving to the Giver of Good.”

Proclamation
November 2, 1905

“I care immensely for this country, and I wish to have it a land of which my grandchildren will be proud to be citizens.”

Letter to John Callin Laughlin
April 13, 1917

“I can hardly say how proud I am of this regiment. It is so typically American! It is just the ideal body for me to lead; and the men are devoted to me.”

Speaking Proudly of His Rough Riders in a Letter to Anna Roosevelt Cowles
July 28, 1898