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 great body of our citizens shoot less as times goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world... The first step – in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come – is to teach men to shoot!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of promoting shooting skills for self-defense and peace.
The quote by Theodore Roosevelt suggests that as society evolves, individuals are becoming less adept in skills necessary for protection and defense, such as shooting. Roosevelt believes that encouraging rifle practice among citizens, particularly young boys and military personnel, is essential not only for preparing for potential conflicts but also for fostering a spirit of readiness and responsibility that may help to preserve peace.
Themes
ShootingPreparationPeaceMilitaryTrainingResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a school presentation on the importance of self-defense skills, one might quote Roosevelt to highlight the value of firearms training.
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.
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
If you think of all the publicity about the terrible tragedy of Virginia Tech, we have a Virginia Tech in this country every day. It's just spread across 50 states.
Michael BloombergRead
[talking about the race at Imola circuit] There are no small accidents on this circuit.
Ayrton SennaRead
I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame - all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward.
Jason CollinsRead
I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when i first started out. It was inconcievable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.
Salma HayekRead
Courage allows the successful woman to fail - and to learn powerful lessons from the failure - so that in the end, she didn't fail at all.
Maya AngelouRead
There is only one 'retirement plan' for terrorists.
Jim MattisRead