America Quote by Elihu Root
“When a teacher of the future comes to point out to the youth of America how the highest rewards of intellect and devotion can be gained, he may say to them, not by subtlety and intrigue; not by wire pulling and demagoguery; not by the arts of popularity; not by skill and shiftiness in following expediency; but by being firm in devotion to the principles of manhood and the application of morals and the courage of righteousness in the public life of our country; by being a man without guile and without fear, without selfishness, and with devotion to duty, devotion to his country.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American Bar Association, 1911
True leadership stems from moral integrity and selfless service, not from manipulation or popularity.
In simple terms: Leadership is about moral courage and duty.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate integrity and selfless service.
Themes
leadership
morality
service
Mood
serious
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political office
- community organizing
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
civic duty
ethical leadership
public service
Questions to Reflect On
- What does moral courage look like today?
- How can we reward selfless service?
A Different Perspective
Integrity alone may not guarantee success in corrupt environments.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
