Source: Theodore Roosevelt, A Strenuous Life Notes

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, “THE STRENUOUS LIFE” (10 April 1899)

Introduction

  • Audience Address
    • "Men of the greatest city of the West, men of the State which gave to the country Lincoln and Grant"
    • Emphasis on the embodiment of the American character

Main Thesis

  • Preaching the Doctrine of the Strenuous Life
    • Contrast with the Doctrine of Ignoble Ease
    • Strenuous life: toil, effort, labor, strife
    • Success comes from overcoming challenges, not pursuing mere comfort
    • Definition of Ignoble Ease
    • A life of peace stemming from a lack of ambition or ability
    • Unworthy of both individuals and nations

The Value of Hard Work

  • Expectations of American Men Regarding Their Sons
    • Teach sons the importance of hard work, regardless of wealth
    • Leisure as a means to engage in noble pursuits: science, letters, art, exploration, historical research
  • Admiration for Victorious Effort
    • Preference for individuals who strive and achieve, versus timidity
    • Importance of effort in attaining success
    • "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed"
    • Historical Reflection on Past Efforts
    • Freedom from effort attributed to past labor
    • Importance of contributing to society even when not working for livelihood

Historical Examples

  • Reflection on the American Civil War (1861)
    • Should not have avoided strife in pursuit of peace
    • Historical context of President Lincoln and General Grant's leadership
    • Outcomes of enduring hardships (freed slaves, restored Union)

Responsibilities of the Current Generation

  • Comparison to Historical Tasks
    • The call to action is not less, but different than past generations
    • The nation must avoid complacency
  • Warning Against Isolationism
    • Parallels made with China and its stagnant state due to commercialism and isolationism
    • National greatness requires engagement with global issues

Confronting Great Issues

  • Current Challenges: War with Spain, Responsibilities in Hawaii, Cuba, Porto Rico, the Philippines
    • The need for a proactive stance rather than avoidance
  • Characteristics of a Timid Nation
    • Description of various archetypes:
    • Timid man
    • Lazy man
    • Overly civilized man lacking virile qualities

Economic and Honorary Considerations

  • Material Prosperity vs. True National Greatness
    • Acknowledgment of individual and collective achievements in business and industry
    • Emphasis on the need for statesmanship and military capability
    • Honor paid to industrial architects and military leaders alike

The Role of Military Power

  • Advocacy for Military Preparedness
    • Need for a strong navy and army as a national duty
    • Historical context of the navy's development
    • Acknowledgment of past political opposition to military investment

Accountability in Governance

  • Importance of Quality in Public Servants
    • Demand for integrity, accountability, placing national interest above personal gain
  • Warning against those who caused disaster through neglect
    • Responsibility for military outcomes lies heavily on lawmakers

Specific Challenges in the Philippines

  • Governing diverse populations with varying readiness for self-governance
    • Strong condemnation of any retreat from responsibilities
  • Responsibility of U.S. to administer fairly and effectively
    • Importance of appointing capable leaders

Conclusion: Call to Strenuous Living

  • Final Reflection
    • National greatness only achievable through hard work, effort, and honorable actions
  • Urging the audience not to shy away from challenges that define the nation's character
  • Emphasis on moral and physical strife as a precursor to greatness