Ambition Quote by Russell Baker
“The early commentators who put down the pre-presidential Roosevelt as an empty-headed young lightweight, all ambition and no talent, now seem comically wrong to a modern book-reading, movie-going, television-watching, legend-loving American public conditioned to think of him as one of the presidential giants on the order of Washington and Lincoln.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Roosevelt Legacy" in The New Yorker, 1971
Early critics underestimated Roosevelt’s abilities; later generations view him as a monumental leader, showing how historical reputations evolve.
In simple terms: Critics misjudged Roosevelt; now seen as a great president.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate judgments as new information emerges.
Themes
history
perception
leadership
Mood
analytical
contemplative
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- political analysis
- media criticism
Key Concepts
revisionist history
public opinion
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors reshape our view of past figures?
- How do media narratives influence legacy?
A Different Perspective
Historical reassessment can be biased by present‑day values.
![“[An audience conditioned by a lifetime of television-watching is so corrupted that] their standards have been systematically lowered over the years. These guys sit in front of their sets and the gamma rays eat the white cells of their brains out!” quote by Woody Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be1/woody-allen-176_audience_an-audience-conditioned-by-a-lifetime-of_1602329.jpg)
