“The human body has two ends on it: one to create with and one to sit on. Sometimes people get their ends reversed. When this happens they need a kick in the seat of the pants.”
- 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
“The human body has two ends on it: one to create with and one to sit on. Sometimes people get their ends reversed. When this happens they need a kick in the seat of the pants.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt uses humor and a bit of sarcasm to highlight the importance of action and productive effort in life. He suggests that the purpose of the human body is twofold: one end is meant for creating—to be used for productive work, creativity, and contribution—while the other end is meant for sitting, resting, or taking a break. However, when people become too comfortable or lazy, using the “sitting” end instead of the “creating” end, they are not fulfilling their potential. Roosevelt implies that, in these situations, they may need a motivating push, symbolized by a “kick in the seat of the pants”, to get back on track and focus on doing the work necessary to make progress.
Roosevelt himself was known for his unrelenting energy and work ethic. He often spoke about the need to be active, to constantly strive for improvement, and to engage in the world with purpose. His life and leadership were marked by action—from his physical activities like hiking and boxing to his progressive reforms and conservation efforts. For Roosevelt, staying active, involved, and engaged was essential for both personal fulfillment and societal progress.
This quote resonates today, particularly in the context of personal productivity and motivation. It serves as a reminder that success and growth come from taking action, not from remaining complacent or idle. Whether in career, personal development, or social change, Roosevelt’s words encourage us to get to work, focus on creating and contributing, and not allow ourselves to become too comfortable or passive in the face of challenges. It’s a call to remain engaged and take responsibility for making things happen.
