Able Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“The effort to make financial or political profit out of the destruction of character can only result in public calamity. Gross and reckless assaults on character, whether on the stump or in newspaper, magazine, or book, create a morbid and vicious public sentiment, and at the same time act as a profound deterrent to able men of normal sensitiveness and tend to prevent them from entering the public service at any price.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Service, 1905
Exploiting character destruction for profit creates societal harm and discourages capable people from public service.
In simple terms: Attacking character for gain damages society.
Key Takeaway
Promote integrity and protect reputations.
Themes
ethics
politics
integrity
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- media criticism
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
public trust
character attacks
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance criticism with fairness?
- What safeguards protect public figures?
A Different Perspective
Some attacks may be justified for accountability.
