Bully Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“We despise and abhor the bully, the brawler, the oppressor, whether in private or public life, but we despise no less the coward and the voluptuary. No man is worth calling a man who will not fight rather than submit to infamy or see those that are dear to him suffer wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: National Conservation Conference, Theodore Roosevelt, 1908
Roosevelt condemns both overt aggression and passive cowardice, urging moral courage to confront injustice rather than submit to shame or indulge in self‑indulgence.
In simple terms: Both bullies and cowards are despised; act with courage.
Key Takeaway
Stand up against oppression and avoid selfish excess.
Themes
ethics
leadership
courage
Mood
inspirational
determined
Type
motivational
ethical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- community leadership
- personal decision making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social responsibility
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal actions embody moral courage?
- How can societies foster collective bravery?
A Different Perspective
Courage alone may not resolve systemic issues without structural change.
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