“The only practical politics is honest politics.”

At Trinity Methodist Church, Newburgh, NY,
February 28, 1900

“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”

Speech in Denver, CO,
August 19, 1910

“I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life; I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”

Speech in Des Moines, IA,
November 4, 191

“The division between the worthy and the unworthy citizen must be drawn on conduct and character and not wealth or poverty.”

Outlook,
March 25, 1911

“Alike for the nation and the individual, the one indispensable requisite is character.”

Outlook,
March 31, 1900

“No nation ever amounted to anything if it did not have within its soul the power of fealty to a lofty ideal.”

Speech in Berkeley, CA,
1913

“There is much less need of genius or of any special brilliancy in the administration of our government than there is need of such homely virtues and qualities as common sense, honesty, and courage.”

Address in Albany, New York,
January 1895

“In international affairs this country should behave toward other nations exactly as an honorable private citizen behaves toward other private citizens.”

Speech in Chicago,
August 6, 1912

“Let us make it evident that we intend to do justice. Then let us make it equally evident that we will not tolerate injustice being done to us in return.”

Speech at Minnesota State Fair,
September 2, 1901

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

Annual Message, Washington, DC,
December 5, 1905

“We must see that this nation stands for strength and honesty both at home and abroad.”

Speech in Colorado Springs, CO,
1901

“Prosperity can never be created by law alone, although it is easy enough to destroy it by mischievous laws.”

First annual message, Washington DC,
December 3, 1901