Climbs Quote by Elihu Root
“I observe that there are two entirely different theories according to which individual men seek to get on in the world. One theory leads a man to pull down everybody around him in order to climb up on them to a higher place. The other leads a man to help everybody around him in order that he may go up with them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Nations, by Elihu Root, 1912
Two opposing strategies: climbing by crushing others or rising by uplifting them.
In simple terms: Rise by helping others or by crushing others;null by helping others.
Key Takeaway
Choose cooperation over competition.
Themes
ethics
leadership
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- business leadership
- team management
- community building
- political strategy
- personal development
Key Concepts
altruism
competition
social mobility
Questions to Reflect On
- Which strategy aligns with your long‑term goals?
- How can you foster mutual uplift in your environment?
A Different Perspective
Cooperation may be slower and riskier than self‑promotion.
![“I noticed affixed to a laboratory door the following words: "Les théories passent. Le Grenouille reste. [The theories pass. The frog remains.] &mdashJean Rostand, Carnets d'un biologiste." There is a risk that in the less severe discipline of criticism the result may turn out to be different; the…” quote by Frank Kermode](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a4a/frank-kermode-16485_criticism_i-noticed-affixed-to-a-laboratory-door-t_2051059.jpg)
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
