“The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on a level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife.”
- 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
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Quote
“The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on a level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt draws a strong parallel between patriotism and personal loyalty, suggesting that just as a man’s loyalty to his wife should be unwavering, so too should his loyalty to his country. He argues that someone who expresses equal affection or devotion to other nations as they do to their own is showing a lack of true commitment or prioritization. Roosevelt implies that genuine love and loyalty—whether in marriage or to one’s country—demand a singular focus, and spreading that love too thinly dilutes its meaning. For Roosevelt, patriotism should be about having an unshakable dedication to one’s own nation, just as a strong relationship demands exclusive love and loyalty.
Roosevelt himself was a staunch advocate for American exceptionalism and nationalism. His approach to foreign policy reflected a sense of pride and loyalty to the United States, emphasizing that while other nations deserve respect, America’s interests and sovereignty should come first. Roosevelt believed in asserting American power on the global stage, but always from a standpoint of national pride and loyalty.
This quote is relevant today in the context of nationalism and globalization. It highlights the tension between globalism, which emphasizes international cooperation and engagement, and nationalism, which focuses on the interests and identity of a single nation. Roosevelt’s words encourage individuals to prioritize their own country and to invest in its success and security, while still acknowledging the importance of international relations. The quote ultimately suggests that true loyalty to one’s nation, much like to one’s personal relationships, is an essential foundation for strength and commitment.
