Skip to content

Every man, who parrots the cry of ‘stand by the President’…

“Every man, who parrots the cry of ‘stand by the President’ without adding the proviso ‘so far as he serves the Republic’ takes an attitude as essentially unmanly as that of any Stuart royalist who championed the doctrine that the King could do no wrong. No self-respecting and intelligent free man…” quote by Theodore Roosevelt
Download Open image
“Every man, who parrots the cry of ‘stand by the President’ without adding the proviso ‘so far as he serves the Republic’ takes an attitude as essentially unmanly as that of any Stuart royalist who championed the doctrine that the King could do no wrong. No self-respecting and intelligent free man could take such an attitude.”

Theodore Roosevelt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Blind loyalty to authority without critical scrutiny mirrors outdated monarchical loyalty, undermining republican values.

In simple terms: Blind loyalty harms democracy.

Key Takeaway

Question authority and uphold republican principles.

Themes

politics loyalty republic critical thinking history

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • public discourse
  • educational curricula
  • activism

Key Concepts

constitutionalism political philosophy historical analogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern examples show uncritical support for leaders?
  • How can citizens balance respect and accountability?
A Different Perspective

Blind allegiance can stifle progress and ignore current contexts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Theodore Roosevelt

Explore all 876 Theodore Roosevelt quotes

More Attitude quotes

Browse all 9,543 Attitude quotes