Photo by Caleb Gregory

As a TR, you need to spend a great deal of time reading.  One of my favorite past-times is reading quotes from Roosevelt.  Since he was a prolific author and letter writer (38 books and over 150,000+ letters while President) he has a lot a researcher can review.   The breadth of Roosevelt’s wisdom covers many areas, and I often marvel at his insights.  Here are a few of my favorites:

“Appraisals are where you get together with your team leader and agree what an outstanding member of the team you are, how much your contribution has been valued, what massive potential you have and, in recognition of all this, would you mind having your salary halved”.  

“The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life”.

“If there is not the war, you don’t get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don’t get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name”

It is written that Roosevelt could speak to just about anyone and find a common ground, but that his ability to converse with the best minds of the world on complex topics was extraordinary.  Because he was so well read, but more importantly, curious, Roosevelt was able to connect, learn and find value in almost any conversation.   It is something I wish I could do as well.