“It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things.”
- 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
“It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt emphasizes the relative insignificance of critics compared to those who actively engage in action and progress. He acknowledges that critics may provide feedback or opinions, but their role is secondary to that of those who actually take the initiative to create, build, or make things happen. Roosevelt suggests that true advancement and achievement come from the doers—the people who take risks, put in the effort, and transform ideas into reality, rather than those who simply offer commentary or point out flaws without contributing to solutions.
Roosevelt himself was a man of action. Throughout his career, he preferred to focus on doing rather than listening to criticism. Whether it was his leadership during the Spanish-American War, his progressive reforms, or his conservation efforts, Roosevelt’s approach was to act and make progress, often in the face of opposition or criticism. He understood that criticism is inevitable, but progress is made by those who are not deterred by negative commentary or the limitations of others.
This quote is particularly relevant today, especially in discussions about creative work, innovation, and leadership. It serves as a reminder that while criticism and analysis have their place, true success comes from those who are willing to take action, even in the face of obstacles or detractors. Whether in business, art, or social change, Roosevelt’s words encourage us to focus on doing, not just talking or critiquing, as the real change-makers are the ones who are actively working to make things better, rather than merely pointing out what could be improved.
