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Strenuous Life
Teddy Roosevelt lived a full and accomplished life and shared many of his beliefs in this book, in which he tells how to live life to its most productive and fullest.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1899
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6060 people want to read
About the author
Theodore Roosevelt
2,334 books900 followersTheodore Roosevelt, Jr., also known as T.R., and to the public (but never to friends and family) as Teddy, was the twenty-sixth President of the United States, and a leader of the Republican Party and of the Progressive Movement.
He fathered Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a daughter.
He became the youngest President in United States history at the age of 42. He served in many roles including Governor of New York, historian, naturalist, explorer, author, and soldier (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his role at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War).
Roosevelt is most famous for his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" persona.
He fathered Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a daughter.
He became the youngest President in United States history at the age of 42. He served in many roles including Governor of New York, historian, naturalist, explorer, author, and soldier (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his role at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War).
Roosevelt is most famous for his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" persona.
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March 6, 2020
Theodore Roosevelt needs no introduction. However, much of his writings do. This collection of essays, including the Strenuous Life, is a good starting point for getting to know the Roosevelt that stated: "speak softly and carry a big stick". His essays here do not speak so softly, but they do carry a big stick. I wish that I could say that I enjoyed them, but the essays primarily extol military might, "clean and healthy lives", righteousness and duty to country.
While these concepts are not in themselves bad, Roosevelt's insistence upon making them the bulwark of all that is good and non-questionable, without defining concisely what they are antiquates the writings. That being said, there are memorable moments in the collection; the most famous being in the Strenuous Life concerning the "doctrine of ignoble ease". This essay is the backbone of the collection, but there are moments in some of that latter essays as well. In "Civic Helpfulness", Roosevelt writes: "…the prime worth of a creed is to be gaged by the standard of conduct it exacts among its followers." Always the practical man, in "Promise and Performance" Roosevelt writes, "A man is worthless unless he has in him a lofty devotion to an ideal, and his worthless also unless he strives to realize this ideal by practical methods." Other essays include the place of sports and the importance of military leaders (his three top being Washington, Lincoln, and Grant).
While there is no doubt that T. Roosevelt was a great man in his own time…he was a great man in his own time, and this collections mirrors that. There is much to be gleaned here, but the nuggets of truth that Roosevelt is so well known for are just that: nuggets. The majority of the writings (and ideas in my opinion) are dated and mirror a man that lived in a time when indoctrination was considered patriotic, and intolerance the norm.
The collection is certainly worth the time to read, for no other reason than historical. The writing style is dated, but I think in a good way: it reminds us that people once took the time to learn to write and portray ideas thoroughly and concisely rather than clumsily on a cellphone with one's thumbs even if some of those ideas are a bit pious.
While these concepts are not in themselves bad, Roosevelt's insistence upon making them the bulwark of all that is good and non-questionable, without defining concisely what they are antiquates the writings. That being said, there are memorable moments in the collection; the most famous being in the Strenuous Life concerning the "doctrine of ignoble ease". This essay is the backbone of the collection, but there are moments in some of that latter essays as well. In "Civic Helpfulness", Roosevelt writes: "…the prime worth of a creed is to be gaged by the standard of conduct it exacts among its followers." Always the practical man, in "Promise and Performance" Roosevelt writes, "A man is worthless unless he has in him a lofty devotion to an ideal, and his worthless also unless he strives to realize this ideal by practical methods." Other essays include the place of sports and the importance of military leaders (his three top being Washington, Lincoln, and Grant).
While there is no doubt that T. Roosevelt was a great man in his own time…he was a great man in his own time, and this collections mirrors that. There is much to be gleaned here, but the nuggets of truth that Roosevelt is so well known for are just that: nuggets. The majority of the writings (and ideas in my opinion) are dated and mirror a man that lived in a time when indoctrination was considered patriotic, and intolerance the norm.
The collection is certainly worth the time to read, for no other reason than historical. The writing style is dated, but I think in a good way: it reminds us that people once took the time to learn to write and portray ideas thoroughly and concisely rather than clumsily on a cellphone with one's thumbs even if some of those ideas are a bit pious.
November 20, 2013
Theodore Roosevelt encouraged me to get off my butt and get the dishes in the dishwasher, to start the washing machine, and to start my car to run errands.
January 8, 2014
“Nations that expand and nations that do not expand may both ultimately go down, but the one leaves heirs and a glorious memory, and the other leaves neither.”
I admire Theodore Roosevelt only to the extent that he is had a strong character and was able to achieve his goals by strengthening and pushing himself to his own limits.
However, this does not mean I subscribe to any of his philosophies. In many ways, if lines were drawn, my side and Roosevelt’s would be opposite. Reading his speeches, Roosevelt has that annoying and offensive trait that has been part of the white man’s culture for a few centuries now. Their desire for constant war, not by directly and proudly wanting conquests, but that sickly self-delusion that they think their attacks on other countries are HELPING the countries they are attacking.
“No commimity is healthy where it is ever necessary to distinguish one politician among his fellows because “he is honest.””
Americans think they are a new breed, but their similarities to the other whites are hardly unnoticeable. When the British were lording over the Indians and the Africans, it was because they felt that the Eastern and African countries need the benevolence of their white overlords. Roosevelt advocates attacks on Cuba, Philippines, and other countries, and it is always painted with a picture of charity. Every President after him and before him said the same thing. In Vietnam, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in dozens of other countries, men and women were killed by a nation that considered it as a philanthropic act.
How can we communicate with such an ideology? How can you reason with a war-hungry nation that considers war not in selfish terms, but in unselfish terms, which is far more dangerous! To convince a mad conqueror not to attack is easier than a blinded, missionary that feels what they are doing is pure, good, and helpful to others.
“We are not trying to subjugate a people; we are trying to develop them and make them a law-biding, industrious, and educated people, and we hope ultimately a self-governing people. In short, in the work we have done we are but carrying out the true principles of our democracy.”
I admire Theodore Roosevelt only to the extent that he is had a strong character and was able to achieve his goals by strengthening and pushing himself to his own limits.
However, this does not mean I subscribe to any of his philosophies. In many ways, if lines were drawn, my side and Roosevelt’s would be opposite. Reading his speeches, Roosevelt has that annoying and offensive trait that has been part of the white man’s culture for a few centuries now. Their desire for constant war, not by directly and proudly wanting conquests, but that sickly self-delusion that they think their attacks on other countries are HELPING the countries they are attacking.
“No commimity is healthy where it is ever necessary to distinguish one politician among his fellows because “he is honest.””
Americans think they are a new breed, but their similarities to the other whites are hardly unnoticeable. When the British were lording over the Indians and the Africans, it was because they felt that the Eastern and African countries need the benevolence of their white overlords. Roosevelt advocates attacks on Cuba, Philippines, and other countries, and it is always painted with a picture of charity. Every President after him and before him said the same thing. In Vietnam, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in dozens of other countries, men and women were killed by a nation that considered it as a philanthropic act.
How can we communicate with such an ideology? How can you reason with a war-hungry nation that considers war not in selfish terms, but in unselfish terms, which is far more dangerous! To convince a mad conqueror not to attack is easier than a blinded, missionary that feels what they are doing is pure, good, and helpful to others.
“We are not trying to subjugate a people; we are trying to develop them and make them a law-biding, industrious, and educated people, and we hope ultimately a self-governing people. In short, in the work we have done we are but carrying out the true principles of our democracy.”
February 3, 2015
Unfortunately, this speech was somewhat weak in articulating the virtues of "virility" and "the strenuous life" and was also weak in clear-headed, unsuperstitious reasoning; instead, it preached quite intolerably the collectivism and typically modern superstition of nationhood, complete with such tripe as the "honors" and "duties" intrinsic therein, and necessity for nations to expand and conquer or else be destroyed within and without. In short, it is a sort of softer and less racially oriented version of the era's nationalisms exemplified in Nazism etc.
June 27, 2018
Anyone considering public life—whether as a politician, a pastor, or any other leader of people—ought to study Teddy Roosevelt. “Latitude and Longitude Among Reformers” is the most worthy speech in this collection, a speech that extols the twin dangers of inefficiency and unrighteousness. Expediency should never come at the cost of unrighteousness, TR warns, but an untethered idealism that despises the compromises and small victories of public life is the sign of a deficient man.
January 7, 2020
Roosevelt must be taken as a man of his time and — by virtue of his accomplishments and sheer willpower — one of the greatest men of his time. His energy, discipline, and zeal were admirable, even though their ends were not always wise or right. He is at his best when applying the philosophy of the strenuous life to the individual, rather than to the nation, and there are portions of this speech that I wish I could put into the hearts of every middle school boy I teach.
However, it is interesting to consider Roosevelt’s example on the other side of reading Pieper’s Leisure. Can a life of rigorous discipline and action be upheld as the pinnacle of human achievement when humans were created, not just to rule over Creation, but to offer it back up to God in restful thanksgiving? Should room be made in our lives to simply (and worshipfully) enjoy a good world?
However, it is interesting to consider Roosevelt’s example on the other side of reading Pieper’s Leisure. Can a life of rigorous discipline and action be upheld as the pinnacle of human achievement when humans were created, not just to rule over Creation, but to offer it back up to God in restful thanksgiving? Should room be made in our lives to simply (and worshipfully) enjoy a good world?
July 11, 2020
Fully expected this to be longer. Didn’t expect this to be as chock full of wisdom, that a glance seemed dated. Upon further reflection the things he calls for and warns against are absolutely worth thinking about.
October 9, 2013
So as it turns out, everything Roosevelt ever said was done for the purposes of training men for manliness. At least that's how it seems. Is it a little ridiculous and a lot sexist/jingoistic? Yep, but it's also the most inspiring stuff you'll be likely to read from the mouth of an American president. No other orator has made me want to punch a wildebeest in the face or subdue barbarian cultures more. (Hmm, that second bit is a little unsavory, isn't it?) Nevertheless, Roosevelt paints a very appealing world where men are men of action and don't shrink from the tasks that lay before them.
I also couldn't help but notice that the issues TR was dealing with in his time are also ours. He had to deal with America's growing presence in the world, the growing inequality between wage workers and labor bosses, and also with political radicals that could only view compromise with disgust. At all times, Roosevelt is absolutely assured that there is a middle path that must be followed. Pulling from one of my favorite sections of Aristotle, he reminds us that we must always live somewhere between idle dreaminess and practical but cynical politicking. To be American was to be optimistic, and to lose that kinetic energy was for America to be dead already, only moments from falling into its grave alongside other great empires that had lost their spirit and given into laziness and hedonism, almost waiting for history to cover and hide them.
Given the level of cynicism we are now experiencing, beginning (I assume) with the world wars but also leading on to Vietnam, Watergate, etc., it's bizarre to think that there was a time when the form of government we had in the U.S. Constitution was something to be proud of and something to inspire a citizen to righteous action. People have been singing of the death of the West for some time now, but TR is a great reminder that each of us is as good as we choose to be. The Joker was wrong, we aren't beholden to the world for our level of morality. The world's goodness is beholden to us if only we would act. If the world isn't as it should be or how we would like for it to be, it's our own damn fault.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
I also couldn't help but notice that the issues TR was dealing with in his time are also ours. He had to deal with America's growing presence in the world, the growing inequality between wage workers and labor bosses, and also with political radicals that could only view compromise with disgust. At all times, Roosevelt is absolutely assured that there is a middle path that must be followed. Pulling from one of my favorite sections of Aristotle, he reminds us that we must always live somewhere between idle dreaminess and practical but cynical politicking. To be American was to be optimistic, and to lose that kinetic energy was for America to be dead already, only moments from falling into its grave alongside other great empires that had lost their spirit and given into laziness and hedonism, almost waiting for history to cover and hide them.
Given the level of cynicism we are now experiencing, beginning (I assume) with the world wars but also leading on to Vietnam, Watergate, etc., it's bizarre to think that there was a time when the form of government we had in the U.S. Constitution was something to be proud of and something to inspire a citizen to righteous action. People have been singing of the death of the West for some time now, but TR is a great reminder that each of us is as good as we choose to be. The Joker was wrong, we aren't beholden to the world for our level of morality. The world's goodness is beholden to us if only we would act. If the world isn't as it should be or how we would like for it to be, it's our own damn fault.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
September 13, 2019
The Strenuous Life is a must read for everyone and anyone. It is the text of a speech given by President Theodore Roosevelt in which he preaches the "doctrine of the strenuous life." He argues in the speech that it is only through a life of honest work and labor can we reach the highest form of success. In an age where a life of leisure calls to us, this book is a reminder of the greatness in mankind which is only realizable through a strenuous life.
December 25, 2024
A historical and courageous book that any young man should read. It highlights the importance of pressing on even admits the toil that life brings. “There is no effort, without error or shortcomings.” So press on, be courageous, and always move forward in this life.
January 24, 2019
So I somehow got the idea that this was Teddy's autobiography. It's actually a hard-cover copy of a brief speech he gave. It's a good speech, and essentially encapsulates his personal philosophy.
December 27, 2024
Oft described as the personal, and political philosophy of the man’s man, Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy enlivens the individual, and the nation, to not flee strife, toil, and suffering, but to nobly embrace it. Greatness only comes through the embrace of the strenuous life.
A very simple, and easy read. But a lot to latch on to and ponder. It is a call to action, a summons to take up arms against the life of ease.
I dig it.
A very simple, and easy read. But a lot to latch on to and ponder. It is a call to action, a summons to take up arms against the life of ease.
I dig it.
October 24, 2021
Crazy good. Unbelievable. Will read this over and over for a very long time.
August 13, 2019
Well written and inspirational but just wasn’t a page turner for me. I’m glad I read the book and it provided me an opportunity to learn about the social and political cultural of that time.
August 3, 2011
I had very high hopes for this book. A friend of mine, with whom I often discuss political and philosophical issues, had suggested to me that I'd like Teddy Roosevelt (based on some affinities in world-views), and I had read and enjoyed a few of his speeches.
The main thing I like about TR's outlook is his constant emphasis on individual virtue as the foundation of success and greatness for the nation. I think that today, it's pretty rare for politicians to talk in these terms--especially liberal politicians. I'm quite persuaded by MacIntyre-style arguments that in modernity we have lost the concepts of "virtue" and "the good," so I appreciate reading someone who talks in those very terms.
That TR is apparent in some places throughout these essays/speeches. My very favorite from this volume is "Fellow-Feeling as a Political Factor." In it, he argues persuasively that the root of many social problems is the simple failure of people from different backgrounds to interact with one another. "A very large share of the rancor of political and social strife arises either from sheer misunderstanding by one section, or by one class, of another, or else from the fact that the two sections, or two classes, are so cut off from each other that neither appreciates the other's passions, prejudices, and, indeed, point of view, while they are both entirely ignorant of their community of feeling as regards the essentials of manhood and humanity," he writes. And later: "The chief factor in producing such sympathy is simply association on a plane of equality, and for a common object. Any healthy-minded American is bound to think well of his fellow-Americans if he only gets to know them. If the banker and the farmer never meet, or meet only in the most perfunctory business way, if the banking is not done by men whom the farmer knows as his friends and associates, a spirit of mistrust is almost sure to spring up." TR wrote this at a time of extreme inequalities of wealth, not unlike today, and I think his diagnosis is right on.
So, to the problems. Several of the essays in this volume are on foreign policy, which is the area in which TR and I most strongly disagree. He is of course a major proponent of "gunboat diplomacy," of the supposedly beneficial "civilizing influence" of American military occupation in places such as the Philippines, and of the Spanish-American War in general. It especially bothers me to read TR making these arguments, then turning around and talking up Christianity. He even explicitly criticizes Tolstoy by name for his pacifistic vision of Christianity. Although I was no huge fan of Tolstoy's book, I do agree with him that Christianity is fundamentally pacifistic. TR's version of Christianity is a classic example of the Constantinian accord between Christianity and the state, to the detriment of both. TR is also quite sexist, talking a lot about how a woman's duty in the world is to raise many healthy children. In a way I can't fault him for that because of the time he lived in, but I guess he was progressive on many other things so I expected better of him.
The main thing I like about TR's outlook is his constant emphasis on individual virtue as the foundation of success and greatness for the nation. I think that today, it's pretty rare for politicians to talk in these terms--especially liberal politicians. I'm quite persuaded by MacIntyre-style arguments that in modernity we have lost the concepts of "virtue" and "the good," so I appreciate reading someone who talks in those very terms.
That TR is apparent in some places throughout these essays/speeches. My very favorite from this volume is "Fellow-Feeling as a Political Factor." In it, he argues persuasively that the root of many social problems is the simple failure of people from different backgrounds to interact with one another. "A very large share of the rancor of political and social strife arises either from sheer misunderstanding by one section, or by one class, of another, or else from the fact that the two sections, or two classes, are so cut off from each other that neither appreciates the other's passions, prejudices, and, indeed, point of view, while they are both entirely ignorant of their community of feeling as regards the essentials of manhood and humanity," he writes. And later: "The chief factor in producing such sympathy is simply association on a plane of equality, and for a common object. Any healthy-minded American is bound to think well of his fellow-Americans if he only gets to know them. If the banker and the farmer never meet, or meet only in the most perfunctory business way, if the banking is not done by men whom the farmer knows as his friends and associates, a spirit of mistrust is almost sure to spring up." TR wrote this at a time of extreme inequalities of wealth, not unlike today, and I think his diagnosis is right on.
So, to the problems. Several of the essays in this volume are on foreign policy, which is the area in which TR and I most strongly disagree. He is of course a major proponent of "gunboat diplomacy," of the supposedly beneficial "civilizing influence" of American military occupation in places such as the Philippines, and of the Spanish-American War in general. It especially bothers me to read TR making these arguments, then turning around and talking up Christianity. He even explicitly criticizes Tolstoy by name for his pacifistic vision of Christianity. Although I was no huge fan of Tolstoy's book, I do agree with him that Christianity is fundamentally pacifistic. TR's version of Christianity is a classic example of the Constantinian accord between Christianity and the state, to the detriment of both. TR is also quite sexist, talking a lot about how a woman's duty in the world is to raise many healthy children. In a way I can't fault him for that because of the time he lived in, but I guess he was progressive on many other things so I expected better of him.
June 30, 2020
For America in World Civ III
I read this a while back, but if I remember correctly this is about imperialism. I love Teddy, but some of this stuff is wild; however, I can see the justification and I think the best way to look at this from the present is to acknowledge that conquest is just human nature. It's not that it's a good thing or a bad thing; though, some of the things Teddy tries to defend in here are quite awful, but there should be room to recognize that many of the civilizations we have now would not be possible had someone not come in and taken direction. Bad things happen, but often for good reason, and we shouldn't forget that or at the very least, we shouldn't view this without nuance.
I read this a while back, but if I remember correctly this is about imperialism. I love Teddy, but some of this stuff is wild; however, I can see the justification and I think the best way to look at this from the present is to acknowledge that conquest is just human nature. It's not that it's a good thing or a bad thing; though, some of the things Teddy tries to defend in here are quite awful, but there should be room to recognize that many of the civilizations we have now would not be possible had someone not come in and taken direction. Bad things happen, but often for good reason, and we shouldn't forget that or at the very least, we shouldn't view this without nuance.
December 28, 2022
This is an eclectic set of speeches given in 1899 and 1900. Roosevelt was at that time governor of NYS, about to become the Vice President under McKinley--and of course subsequently president sooner than anyone expected.
Reading these in the wake of Gen Smedley Butler's War is a Racket is rather incongruous. With respect to his views on war, TR is the polar opposite of Butler. Where Butler is cynically convinced that the almighty dollar is the only motive agitating for war, Roosevelt cannot fathom any other right path than war with Spain in 1898, any other policy than increasing the size and armaments of a standing armed forces, anything better than US occupation for the Philippines, and any doubt in the Manifest Destiny of the country. I don't think I am the only one that finds myself uncomfortably occupying middle ground between these two dogmatic stances of Butler's and Roosevelt's.
Thankfully, all these speeches are not about war. TR's repeated and certain belief that Americans can all get along and find common ground if they only get to know one another seems quaint and Pollyannish from the perspective of Twenty-First Century politics, but it is heartening to see it was once so firmly believed, and encouraging to believe it is still more true than we are led to think by party leaders, news outlets, and social media.
Among the messages here are two eulogistic biographies, of Grant and Dewey.
Probably my favorite speech was "The American Boy" although I found several interesting. As a whole, TR tends to speak in broad generalities and recycle catch phrases and words. I'm now wondering how his written works might differ from his speeches in their authorial voice and their content.
Reading these in the wake of Gen Smedley Butler's War is a Racket is rather incongruous. With respect to his views on war, TR is the polar opposite of Butler. Where Butler is cynically convinced that the almighty dollar is the only motive agitating for war, Roosevelt cannot fathom any other right path than war with Spain in 1898, any other policy than increasing the size and armaments of a standing armed forces, anything better than US occupation for the Philippines, and any doubt in the Manifest Destiny of the country. I don't think I am the only one that finds myself uncomfortably occupying middle ground between these two dogmatic stances of Butler's and Roosevelt's.
Thankfully, all these speeches are not about war. TR's repeated and certain belief that Americans can all get along and find common ground if they only get to know one another seems quaint and Pollyannish from the perspective of Twenty-First Century politics, but it is heartening to see it was once so firmly believed, and encouraging to believe it is still more true than we are led to think by party leaders, news outlets, and social media.
Among the messages here are two eulogistic biographies, of Grant and Dewey.
Probably my favorite speech was "The American Boy" although I found several interesting. As a whole, TR tends to speak in broad generalities and recycle catch phrases and words. I'm now wondering how his written works might differ from his speeches in their authorial voice and their content.
January 5, 2019
"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spiritswho neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory of defeat" ~Theodore Roosevelt
Not so much book as it is speech (given 1905 in Chicago), this is a great little read about the emphasis on Americans remaining hard working. Or at least that they should remain hard working, even though a life of luxury was more easily accessible than ever before. Look it up and give it a read, if you believe in America you will like what it says.
If you don’t know much about Teddy Roosevelt, look him up. Great American leader, great American worker. #hustlelife #american #freedom #hardwork #character #history #effort #president
“We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbor, who is prompt to help a friend, but who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. In this life we get nothing save by effort.”
Not so much book as it is speech (given 1905 in Chicago), this is a great little read about the emphasis on Americans remaining hard working. Or at least that they should remain hard working, even though a life of luxury was more easily accessible than ever before. Look it up and give it a read, if you believe in America you will like what it says.
If you don’t know much about Teddy Roosevelt, look him up. Great American leader, great American worker. #hustlelife #american #freedom #hardwork #character #history #effort #president
“We do not admire the man of timid peace. We admire the man who embodies victorious effort; the man who never wrongs his neighbor, who is prompt to help a friend, but who has those virile qualities necessary to win in the stern strife of actual life. It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. In this life we get nothing save by effort.”
September 23, 2018
A series of essays and speeches from Theodore Roosevelt, mostly focusing on having a strong work ethic, Christian fellowship, and the greatness of the American people in the aftermath of two wars; the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, which Roosevelt fought in.
In the various speeches and essays included here, Roosevelt's main points revolve around American leadership and what makes for a great citizen in the republic. This, unfortunately, is at the disservice of Native Americans and anyone from a non-Christian religion. However, other than this glaring xenophobic streak, there is a lot of good in what Roosevelt has to say.
Reading this in the current political climate, it is quite clear how Roosevelt would feel about the leadership and everything they are doing, and this is exactly why I would recommend everyone read this. What Roosevelt considers truly evil is what we should all be on the lookout for.
In the various speeches and essays included here, Roosevelt's main points revolve around American leadership and what makes for a great citizen in the republic. This, unfortunately, is at the disservice of Native Americans and anyone from a non-Christian religion. However, other than this glaring xenophobic streak, there is a lot of good in what Roosevelt has to say.
Reading this in the current political climate, it is quite clear how Roosevelt would feel about the leadership and everything they are doing, and this is exactly why I would recommend everyone read this. What Roosevelt considers truly evil is what we should all be on the lookout for.
January 7, 2018
Theodore and I have a strange relationship because I disagree with most of his politics and views but I still find him a fascinating historical figure. Strenuous Life is the text of a speech TR gave which as some highlights such as encouraging people to take risks, to not be afraid of defeat, to have convictions, and not to settle for mediocrity. But at the same time, these encouragements are directed toward bolstering expansion of the American Empire, increasing "manliness," and promoting war. TR was one of the better writers that have occupied the White House so the speech is well written, but outside of picking out the lines here and there that are noteworthy and (in my opinion) still applicable to one's personal life, most of it is a relic of that era whose politics of empire should be left behind. I give the work 3 stars.
March 22, 2023
I am reviewing the audiobook narrated by Adriel Brandt (narrator) and published by Audio Sommelier.
This is an inspirational speech telling the audience why everyone should do their best rather than be a lazy turd. The speaker was also promoting war, the funding for a new canal system and things like that. Over all very patriotic and inspiration if you ignore the war part. I liked it.
I might listen to this audiobook again.
This is an inspirational speech telling the audience why everyone should do their best rather than be a lazy turd. The speaker was also promoting war, the funding for a new canal system and things like that. Over all very patriotic and inspiration if you ignore the war part. I liked it.
I might listen to this audiobook again.
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January 10, 2025This book was a fascinating glimpse into Roosevelt's philosophy of hard work, resilience, and civic duty. His call to live a vigorous, purposeful life resonated deeply with me, especially in how it champions the value of effort over ease. While some parts reflect the historical context of his time, the overarching themes of character-building and striving for excellence remain timeless.
I admired how Roosevelt's words are both motivational and practical, encouraging personal growth alongside a commitment to community and nation. It's a book that challenges you to reflect on how you approach your goals and responsibilities. A great read for anyone seeking inspiration to tackle life head-on!
I admired how Roosevelt's words are both motivational and practical, encouraging personal growth alongside a commitment to community and nation. It's a book that challenges you to reflect on how you approach your goals and responsibilities. A great read for anyone seeking inspiration to tackle life head-on!
November 19, 2019
No book wants to make you go into the woods and wrestle a moose more than this collection of essays and addresses. While not all of them are necessarily pertinent to living a good life, and deal more with the skills of a politician and diplomat, there are a few gems within the book which make this a worthwhile read. Being one of the most skilled orators of our time, it is unsurprising that many of his essays read incredibly well -- though they are quite long and certainly dense. A recommended read for any man or woman looking for a very interesting man's opinions on living a good life; one of vigor, hard work, and strife.
February 6, 2021
I've heard this reference numerous times and wanted to expose myself to the actual content coming from the speaker himself. This was just a short ~30 minute audio clip of President Roosevelt giving a very inspirational speech.
If this was the 1940's when he originally spoke it, I am sure it would have been even more impactful. I feel like a few things within the speech haven't aged well, but overall it is an amazing speech and I can't remember in my lifetime of hearing any presidents say anything remotely close to this.
Definitely worth the short time investment if you have heard this referenced or are a history buff.
If this was the 1940's when he originally spoke it, I am sure it would have been even more impactful. I feel like a few things within the speech haven't aged well, but overall it is an amazing speech and I can't remember in my lifetime of hearing any presidents say anything remotely close to this.
Definitely worth the short time investment if you have heard this referenced or are a history buff.
August 8, 2017
I think it's cool how this is a small portable book that can be referenced anytime. A reminder of how action is more important than anything else in life. How To Do or Not To Do something greatly affects our futures as individuals and as a country.
I always want to make the most of my time. This book is a nice kick in the butt when I pull it off the shelf from time to time during periods when my plans and thoughts exceed my productivity and accomplishments.
I will have this the rest of my life.
I always want to make the most of my time. This book is a nice kick in the butt when I pull it off the shelf from time to time during periods when my plans and thoughts exceed my productivity and accomplishments.
I will have this the rest of my life.
April 24, 2020
Theodore Roosevelt has clearly read a lot of roman history as in the back of all his practical proposals there is a reference to some form of Stoicism and the manly ideals of Roman virtues. I found particularly the two essays "Manhood and statehood" and "National duties" of great value. Some essays have a focus that is too preoccupied with the effort of war. My reading advice for this book is therefore to browse through some essays, while spending more time on others while pondering their significance.
November 14, 2020
Well, this was a mixed bag.
First half is a genuinely thought provoking and inspirational speech about the values of hard work, which go far beyond the typical platitudes, and is worth reading.
Then in the second half it takes a hard turn. Roosevelt compares his philosophy to world politics, specifically about how the US has a duty to imperialize smaller weaker nations. Some quotes: "A man has a duty to his race." "India has been improved by Britians occupation." Yeah this part of the philosophy hasn't aged too well.
First half is a genuinely thought provoking and inspirational speech about the values of hard work, which go far beyond the typical platitudes, and is worth reading.
Then in the second half it takes a hard turn. Roosevelt compares his philosophy to world politics, specifically about how the US has a duty to imperialize smaller weaker nations. Some quotes: "A man has a duty to his race." "India has been improved by Britians occupation." Yeah this part of the philosophy hasn't aged too well.
April 30, 2021
Fantastic book. Great principles even though it was a bit dated in some of the gender views. It is comforting to see that identity politics and political rancor was similar even before the age of the internet. It is also interesting to see where views about expectations of character of politicians came from. Not something to take as gospel truth but there are still great things that can be taken from these writings. It is also very interesting to hear about the Spanish American war and some of the speeches before the great world wars.
November 6, 2021
A challenging book to read in a postmodern era, especially right after reading the anti-conial words of Pramoedya Ananta Toer. TR is certainly a vigorous manly figure with many admirable qualities, but also certainly a proud, paternalistic imperialist. This collection presents several good works for Roosevelt scholars/enthusiasts, but I'd say for average readers it may come off as rather repetitive &/or historically dense (he talks a lot about the Spanish/American War as if you know everything about it, since it was such a recent thing then).
August 12, 2018
Definite reread. Roosevelt's tactics and opinions on social and political ideas stand out in stark to those of our day, and I believe are better and more sustainable. The vocabulary was frequently beyond my comprehension, so it took me a great deal of time to process what he was saying, but it was of absolutely worth the time and effort spent to understand his words. I will read again in the future, and will, I am sure, glean even more value from doing so.
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