“This is not and never shall be a government of either a plutocracy or of a mob. It is, it has been, and it will be, a government of the people.”

Speech in Spokane, WA
May 26, 1903

“It is true of the Nation, as of the individual, that the greatest doer must also be the greatest dreamer.”

Speech in Berkeley, California,
1911

“The judge who does his full duty well stands higher, and renders a better service to the people, than any other public servant.”

Letter to Charles J. Bonaparte
January 2, 1908

“We must act with Justice and broad generosity and charity toward one another and toward all men if we are to make this Republic what it must and shall be made.”

Speech in New York City
February 12, 1913

“In the long run, even the most uncomfortable truth is a safer companion than the pleasantest falsehood.”

American Ideals
1897

“There is not one of us who does not need to have a helping hand stretched to him at some time, and woe to the man who refuses to stretch that helping hand.”

Speech in Albany, NY
November 20, 1901

“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 men who wish to work for decent politics must work practically, and yet must not swerve from their devotion to a high ideal.”

Forum
July, 1894

“Americans should organize politically as Americans and not as bankers, or lawyers, or farmers, or wage workers.”

Kansas City Star
September 12, 1918

“Truth telling is a virtue upon which we should not only insist in the schools and at home, but in business and politics just as much.”

Speech in Ventura, CA
May 9, 1903

“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

“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