“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.”
- 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
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt argues that adversity and challenging times are often the crucibles that bring out great leadership. He suggests that figures like generals and statesmen are often defined by their ability to rise to the occasion during moments of crisis. For Roosevelt, the true measure of a great leader is how they handle times of conflict or unprecedented challenges, and that these leaders often become legendary not because of their peaceful times, but because of their actions during critical moments in history. He uses Abraham Lincoln as an example, suggesting that Lincoln’s legacy as one of the greatest presidents in American history is largely due to his leadership during the Civil War—a time of immense national strife.
Roosevelt himself was no stranger to leadership during crisis. His leadership through events like the Spanish-American War, his trust-busting efforts, and his commitment to progressive reform were examples of how he navigated turbulent times to make lasting change. Roosevelt believed that greatness often emerged from those who were tested by difficulty and who faced challenges head-on, with courage and determination.
This quote remains relevant in today’s world, particularly in discussions about leadership in times of crisis. It suggests that while peace and stability are valuable, it is often through times of adversity—whether personal, political, or societal—that we discover the potential for true greatness in leadership. Roosevelt’s words remind us that crisis and difficulty can be powerful opportunities for leaders to define themselves and make their mark on history.
