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

The Strenuous Life
April 10, 1899

“We have a right to appeal to all good citizens who are far-sighted enough to see what the honor and the interest of the nation demand.”

Letter accepting the nomination for Vice-Presidency
September 15, 1900

“In addition to courage and honesty we need the saving grace of common sense, for without that a man will make but scant headway in the world.”

Address at Boise, Idaho
May 28, 1903

“Far more important than the candidate’s words is the estimate you are able to put upon the closeness with which his deeds will correspond to his words.”

Campaign speech, New York City
October 19, 1898

“The virtue that is worth having is the virtue that can sustain the rough shock of actual living; the virtue that can achieve practical results, that finds expression in actual life.”

At New York State Bar Association Banquet
January 18, 1899

“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”

Kansas City Star
May 7, 1918

“I ask you to help strike the note that shall unite our people. As a people we must be united. If we are not united we shall slip into the gulf of measureless disaster.”

Before Knights of Columbus, New York City
October 12, 1915

“In the long run the one vital factor in the permanent prosperity of the country is the high individual character of the average American worker.”

Fifth Annual Message
December 5, 1905

“Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars but remember to keep your feet on the ground.”

Address at Groton School
May 24, 1904

“It is always easy for an individual or a party to make promises; the strain comes when the party or individual has to make them good.”

Before Civil Service Reform Association, Baltimore
February 23, 1889

“Government by the people means that the people have the right to do their own thinking and to do their own speaking about their public servants.”

The Kansas City Star
April 6, 1918