No prosperity and no glory can save a nation that is rotten at heart.
Meaning
Speaking at the Minnesota State Fair, Roosevelt argued that wealth and fame cannot make up for a lack of honesty at the core. The same holds for teams and families: if trust is hollow, success will not last. Check your own habits of integrity before chasing the next win.
Source: Address at the Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul (1901), in The Strenuous Life (1900)
About the author
(1858–1919) was the 26th President of the United States known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts. He expanded national parks and advocated for environmental protection. Roosevelt also played a key role in foreign policy and trust-busting. His leadership style was energetic and reform-oriented. Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy continues to shape American politics and environmental policy.
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