“The reactionary is always willing to take a progressive attitude on any issue that is dead.”
- 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 reactionary is always willing to take a progressive attitude on any issue that is dead.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt critiques the hypocrisy of reactionaries—those who resist change and progress in the present but are willing to embrace progressive ideas when those ideas are no longer relevant or impactful. He suggests that reactionaries will only accept change or progress when it no longer threatens their status quo, particularly when the issue at hand is already resolved or irrelevant. This underscores the idea that such individuals are not truly progressive; they only appear so when the issue no longer requires action or when it’s safe to adopt a position that doesn’t challenge the existing order.
Roosevelt’s own political philosophy was rooted in bold action and the belief that progress required real-time engagement with the pressing issues of the day. He was committed to tackling current challenges, whether in trust-busting, social reform, or conservation, rather than simply accepting outdated solutions or dead issues. Roosevelt’s words highlight his frustration with those who shy away from change in the present, only to later claim a progressive stance when there is no risk or effort involved.
This quote remains relevant today, especially in political debates where change and progress are often delayed or obstructed by those who are resistant to current reform efforts. It calls attention to the tendency of some to claim progressive ideals when they have no impact or when they are safely in the past, while still resisting necessary changes that could address modern challenges. Roosevelt’s criticism serves as a reminder that true progress requires action and engagement with the issues that shape the present, not simply the endorsement of ideas that no longer demand change.
