Americanism is a question of principle, of idealism, of character. It is not a matter of birthplace, or creed, or line of descent.
Theodore RooseveltRead
If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often contribute to our own problems through our choices and actions.
This quote humorously suggests that we are often the architects of our own dilemmas. By acknowledging that most of our troubles stem from our decisions, it prompts us to take responsibility for our actions rather than blaming external forces or others.
Themes
ResponsibilityTroublesChoicesHumorSelf-Reflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational talk about accountability, you could start with this quote.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
All quotes βIt tires me to talk to rich men. You expect a man of millions, the head of a great industry, to be a man worthhearing; but as a rule they don't know anything outside their own business.
Theodore RooseveltRead
No man should receive a dollar unless that dollar has been fairly earned.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Conservation means development as much as it does protection._x000D_ _x000D_ A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals insofar as he can.
Theodore RooseveltRead
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.
Theodore RooseveltRead
Similar quotes
I always want to tell these young idealists that the world is not as dangerous as many in the older generation want them to believe...The [people] for whom I feel the greatest sadness are the ones who choke on their beliefs, who never act on their ideals, who never know the state of struggle in a decent cause, and never know the thrill of even partial victories.
Jonathan KozolRead
I used to have a real problem with self-pity. Every time the devil would throw a pity party, I would attend.
Joyce MeyerRead
If the gentleman has ability, he is magnanimous, generous, tolerant, and straightforward, through which he opens the way to instruct others.
XunziRead
A man is not old as long as he is seeking something.
Jean RostandRead
You can be deprived of your money, your job and your home by someone else, but remember that no one can ever take away your honor.
William Lyon PhelpsRead
I would rather speak the truth to ten men than blandishments and lying to a million. Try it, ye who think there is nothing in it! Try what it is to speak with God behind you, to speak so as to be only the arrow in the bow which the Almighty draws.
Henry Ward BeecherRead