Teddy Roosevelt.
I begin with Theodore Roosevelt, because that is where our recent vacation began—Oyster Bay. After touring Raynham Hall, we visited the grave of our 26th President of the United States. The following day, we went to Sagamore Hill.
There is little not to like about T.R. He is a man’s man, so to speak. He spoke and wrote of the importance of a sound mind and body. He was a father and husband above all else. While I tend to wonder how his political views would translate into the demands of 2017 (it fascinates me that the challenges facing the US in the early 1900s still exist in the early 2000s) and think we can use a man like T.R. today, I want to focus on the man and his character.
I often quote Teddy Roosevelt. He was a man of great wisdom. He was also a man who respected the opinions of others and, moreover, respected the classes of society. He believed that we best solve society’s challenges by getting to know one another and understanding one another’s circumstances.
T.R. was wealthy. He came from what might be labeled “white privilege”, today. Nonetheless, he put his wealth and influence to work to help his fellow man. He sought to better the lives of his countryman. He sought better wages for the working class, but he also expected one to work (if he were able) to earn his living. As well, he expected that those who could not work would be provided for. His “privilege” came with responsibility.
Despite being a sickly child, T.R. took personal responsibility for his health. He exercised regularly and conditioned his body to overcome his physical infirmities. He advocated to healthy living.
T.R. was an avid reader. I was impressed by the books in nearly every room. He believed in developing the mind and body.
The Roosevelt children went to public school. Roosevelt believed that we can best help our neighbors when we know them and associate with them. It no surprise to me the level to which the community of Oyster Bay esteems the Roosevelts. Education is important for the advancement of the individual, but it is essential for the advancement of society. Thus, I write often in favor of education reform and have faith in public education.
Roosevelt was the first POTUS to live away from the White House during his term in office. Sagamore Hill was always his home—and a home it was. Again, family was a priority, as it should be. It was interesting the level to which his children were afforded the opportunity to participate in the discussions at the dinner table. Indeed, they were expected to participate—even when visiting dignitaries were present. How many of us, today, can say the same for our households? As well, how many of us stress the importance of the family meal at the dining table. Sadly, (and I can fall victim to this) we too often eat dinner in front of the television. Many do not even eat as a family. The Roosevelt children knew that, if they did not make it to the dining room for dinner time, they might be relegated to the second seating (the Roosevelts frequently had multiple seatings for dinner because of the volume of visitors to the home, and the children wanted to eat with their preferred guests) or in the kitchen. I found myself imaging what these dinners must have been like. I also considered the degree to which I afford my children such opportunities. Of course, I may never have the level of guest in my home, but it is, nonetheless, important that we entertain a variety of people in our home and encourage the children to participate.
Also, noteworthy at Sagamore Hill were the animal specimens. Today, we might be offended by animal trophies, but in T.R.’s day, these were less for personal show and more for educational purposes. Theodore Roosevelt collected thousands of specimens for the Smithsonian Institute, the National Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History. Interestingly, Andrew Carnegie helped fund some of these expeditions. I could not help but wonder if any of the specimens on display at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History were the product of T.R.’s hunts. These remain today as specimens for all to see and to study. Thus, he gave access to many who might never otherwise have opportunity to see. And it must be remembered that Roosevelt was a great advocate for conservation of natural resources and extending federal protection to land and wildlife. In my opinion, he is the epitome of stewardship of God’s creation. I would trust that, if alive today, his methods would be a bit different.
Theodore Roosevelt is well known for his “speak softly and carry a big stick” philosophy. He was not a man of war, despite his fame for his military successes. He understood, however, the importance of strength, both individually and nationally. Civility is to be backed with strength. We cannot speak of justice without being willing to fight against injustice. Fighting is, of course, as last resort. We must, however, stand for ourselves and, moreover, for others. I hope I have lived as such. I strive to instill this in my own children.
I will never likely have the power and opportunity Theodore Roosevelt had to affect the world, but I hope that I can have such an affect where I can. I hope that I live in such an (extra)ordinary fashion.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
“If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.”–Theodore Roosevelt
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