“The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.”
- 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 things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt warns against the dangerous values and attitudes that he believed could undermine the strength and future of America. He lists several factors that, if prioritized above all else, could weaken the nation: a blind pursuit of prosperity, where wealth is sought without considering moral integrity or the greater good; an obsession with peace at any cost, even if it means avoiding responsibility; a focus on personal safety over a sense of duty to the country; a preference for comfort and ease rather than hard work and sacrifice; and a get-rich-quick mentality that overlooks the importance of ethics and long-term effort. Roosevelt believed that these values would erode the character and work ethic that made the country great.
Roosevelt’s own life and leadership reflected a commitment to duty, hard work, and moral action, often at great personal cost. He was not one to shy away from challenges, whether it was his leadership during the Spanish-American War, his progressive reforms, or his efforts in environmental conservation. For Roosevelt, self-discipline, duty, and the willingness to face hardship were essential to both individual and national strength. He believed that Americans should prioritize responsibility and sacrifice over personal gain or comfort.
This quote resonates today, especially in a society often focused on material success, instant gratification, and comfort. Roosevelt’s words remind us that true strength comes from the values of duty, work, and responsibility. The pursuit of prosperity should not come at the expense of integrity; peace and safety must not be prioritized over action for the greater good. Roosevelt’s philosophy serves as a call for Americans to prioritize long-term values—such as hard work, duty, and ethical responsibility—over short-term comforts or self-interest.
