Behave Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither. We have become a great nation, forced by the fact of its greatness into relations with other nations of the earth, and we must behave as beseems a people with such responsibilities.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: State of the Union Address, Theodore Roosevelt, 1904
We must honor our obligations to both society and self, recognizing that national greatness brings responsibility toward other nations and ourselves.
In simple terms: Greatness demands responsibility to others and self.
Key Takeaway
Embrace duties, avoid shirking.
Themes
responsibility
nationalism
ethics
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public service
- international diplomacy
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
civic duty
global relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize personal versus societal duties?
- What responsibilities arise from national power?
A Different Perspective
Balancing self‑interest with collective duty can be challenging.
