America Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“Everything is un-American that tends either to government by a plutocracy or government by a mob. To divide along the lines of section or caste or creed is un-American. All privileges based on wealth, and all enmity to honest men merely because they are wealthy, are un-American-both of them equally so. The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living and the get-rich-quick theory of life.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The New Nationalism, 1910
America should reject governance by elite plutocracies or mob rule, and avoid privileging wealth over duty and moral purpose.
In simple terms: Reject wealth‑driven rule; prioritize duty.
Key Takeaway
Promote duty over wealth and protect democratic values.
Themes
democracy
justice
economic equality
civic duty
Mood
serious
determined
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- community organizing
- public debate
- leadership training
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can curb plutocratic influence?
- How can societies value duty over material gain?
A Different Perspective
Balancing prosperity with moral responsibility is complex.
![“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)
