“The only permanently efficient defensive arm is the one which can act offensively.”

America and The World War
March 1886

“No country will accomplish very much for the world at large unless it elevates itself.”

The Bachelor of Arts
March 1886

“No treaties, whether between civilized nations or not, can ever be regarded as binding in perpetuity; with changing conditions, circumstances may arise which render it not only expedient, but imperative and honorable to abrogate them.”

The Winning of the West
1889

“No man is above the law and no man is below it.”

Third Annual Message 
December 7, 1903

“In the seething turmoil of the history of humanity, certain nations stand out as possessing a peculiar power or charm, some special gift of beauty or wisdom of strength, which puts them among the immortals, which makes them rank forever with the leaders of mankind. France is one of these nations.”

Speech at the Sorbonne 
April 23, 1910

“The surest way to destroy what measure of prosperity he may have is to paralyze industry and the well-being of those men who have achieved success.”

Review of Reviews
January 1897

“We abhor brutality and wrongdoing, whether exhibited by nations or by individuals.”

Outlook
September 9, 1911

“No democracy can afford to overlook the vital importance of the ethical and spiritual, the truly religious, element in life.”

Through the Brazilian Wilderness
1914

“America can be true to itself, true to the great cause of freedom and justice, only if it shows itself ready and willing to resent wrong from the strong.”

Outlook
April 1, 1911

“No public servant who is worth his salt should hesitate to stand by his conscience.”

Speech in New York City
October 20, 1911

“Diplomacy is utterly useless where there is no force behind it.”

Speech at Naval War College
June 2, 1897

“It is imperative to the welfare of our people that we enlarge and extend our foreign commerce.”

Speech in Chicago
August 6, 1912