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
A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The value of a vote is determined by the integrity and intentions of the person casting it.
This quote by Theodore Roosevelt compares a vote to a rifle, emphasizing that just as a rifle can be used for both good and bad depending on the user, a vote similarly holds power that is contingent upon the moral character of the voter. It highlights the importance of responsibility in democratic participation, suggesting that a vote can lead to positive change or negative consequences based on the values of individuals in society.
Themes
VoteCharacterPowerResponsibilityDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, someone might say, 'Remember, a vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user. Let's be responsible voters.'
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.
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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.
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
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