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
The death-knell of the republic had rung as soon as the active power became lodged in the hands of those who sought, not to do justice to all citizens, rich and poor alike, but to stand for one special class and for its interests as opposed to the interests of others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against the dangers of prioritizing the interests of a specific group over the common good in a republic.
The quote by Theodore Roosevelt reflects the belief that the downfall of a republic begins when those in power prioritize the needs and desires of a particular class rather than serving justice for all citizens. This serves as a cautionary reminder that democracy is at risk when governance becomes skewed towards favoritism, leading to inequality and divisiveness in society.
Themes
RepublicJusticeEqualityPowerClass
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one could quote Roosevelt to emphasize the importance of serving all citizens rather than specific interests.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
All quotes →It 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.
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Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
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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.
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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
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