“…a policy of words unbacked by deeds is considerably worse than useless.”

A Letter to J.W. Jenke, March 15, 1915

“A nation’s greatness lies in its possibility of achievement in the present, and nothing helps it more than the consciousness of achievement in the past.”

American Ideals, 1897

“Stability of economic policy must always be the prime economic need of this country.”

The Message of the President of the U.S. to Congress

1902

“Nothing but the truth should be spoken about [the President] or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else.”

The Kansas City Star, May 7, 1918

“I have a very strong feeling that it is a President’s duty to get on with Congress if he possibly can, and that it is a reflection upon him if he and Congress come to a complete break.”

A Letter to His Son Theodore, January 31, 1909

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

Outlook, March 31, 1900

“Work for peace will never be worth much unless accompanied by courage, effort, and self-sacrifice.”

Independent, January 4, 1915

“There is no telling what the new year has in store; the hand of fate may be heavy upon us but we can be sure that it will not take away our pride.”

Letter to Douglas Robinson, December 28, 1917

“[Peace] is not a means—it is an end. You do not get peace by peace; you get peace as the result of effort.”

Speech in New York City, February 19, 1899

“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

“Performance of international duty to others means that in international affairs … we shall not only refrain from wronging the weak, but shall, according to our capacity, and as opportunity offers, stand up for the weak when the weak are wronged by the strong.”

Speech in Kansas City, Missouri, May 30, 1916

“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