“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
- 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
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt advises maintaining a balance between ambition and practicality. “Keeping your eyes on the stars” represents aiming high and having lofty goals, dreams, and aspirations. It’s about reaching for the best and striving for greatness. However, Roosevelt also reminds us to keep our “feet on the ground,” which means staying grounded, realistic, and focused on the practical steps necessary to achieve those goals. It’s a call for balance—to dream big, but also to stay humble and pragmatic in how we pursue those dreams.
Roosevelt himself was a perfect embodiment of this idea. While he had big visions for the future, whether in terms of national progressivism, conservation, or his foreign policy, he was always aware of the practical realities and the effort required to make his lofty ideals a reality. His ability to set ambitious goals while staying focused on the tangible work needed to reach them was one of the qualities that made him such an effective leader.
This quote remains relevant today, especially when pursuing personal and professional growth. It reminds us to dream big, but to also take practical actions and stay grounded as we work toward our goals. Whether in career, relationships, or personal development, Roosevelt’s words encourage us to keep a clear sense of direction, focus on the process, and avoid getting lost in unattainable ideals or unrealistic expectations.
