“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
- October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919
- American
- Politician, military officer
- Served as the 26th President of the United States, promoted progressive reforms and environmental conservation policies, and supported the construction of the Panama Canal
Quote
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt stresses the importance of taking action in times of decision, even if the path ahead is uncertain. He argues that while the best choice is to make the right decision, even making the wrong decision is better than remaining inactive or indecisive. The worst course of action, according to Roosevelt, is to do nothing at all. In his view, inaction is a greater failure than making a mistake, as it results in missed opportunities and a lack of progress. Roosevelt’s words encourage decisiveness and courage, even when the outcome is unclear, because action—whether right or wrong—is essential for moving forward and learning from experience.
Roosevelt himself was known for his bold decision-making and willingness to take risks, particularly during his presidency. He was often faced with difficult decisions, both domestically and in foreign affairs, but he believed that leadership required action, even if it led to mistakes. His approach was to make decisions quickly and adjust as necessary, rather than allowing hesitation or fear of failure to paralyze progress.
This quote resonates today, especially in the context of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. In a world that often favors caution and deliberation, Roosevelt’s words remind us that decisiveness and action are critical to success. Whether in business, personal decisions, or societal challenges, taking action—even imperfect action—is often the best way to make progress. It encourages us to embrace the idea that learning from mistakes and taking risks are essential components of growth and achievement.
