Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) is, for me, a very key example of what a Profile in Character could look like and also what can provide the good result of one’s example to others to make the world a better place.
As a result of Teddy’s life, he became very well known to the world. T.R., as he was also known, remains one of the most recognizable figures of all time and one of the most appreciated as well. So, from the perspective of his being a symbol, he certainly is present. But, for good or bad?
From my point of view again, I think he has lived a life of good intent and is remembered for the same. Let’s look at how this came about and see how each of us might replicate those good traits that Teddy exhibited.
Teddy was a sickly youth with debilitating asthma, but he overcame the physical shortcomings so well that he is remembered with a vigorous persona, alive with a masculine cowboy image.
In a scholarly pursuit, he was a naturalist with research and writings in subjects like botany and birds. Hr taught Sunday School. He graduated from Harvard and was a historian and writer.
Despite the loss of his dear mother and wife on the same night he recovered depression by cattle ranching in the West. He became a Rough Rider and fought in the Spanish American War, leading a charge against the enemy with bullets whizzing past him and throwing tree splinters into his face. When presenting a speech as a politician he took a bullet in the chest and kept on talking.
He had done boxing and rowing in college, hiked the Alps with his family, was a hunter, equestrian and rancher and put high value on “the strenuous life.”
He went into politics, wanting to govern. He took morally important roles of aggressively challenging corruption, spoils of civil office, and crime. He worked for conservation, defense of the nation, and labor (“a square deal for every man”) and peace. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending the Russian and Japanese war.
When the Boy Scouts were formed in 1910 Teddy supported it and felt that it could help mold and strengthen the character of American boys.
A hero quality of Theodore Roosevelt was essential to his purpose in life and his mission to the world. It has been said, “What makes the hero a hero is the romantic notion that he stands above the tawdry give and take of everyday…where partisanship gives way to patriotism, and division to unity, and where the nation regains its lost innocence, and the people their shared sense of purpose.”*
With his magnetic personality, his high accomplishments, and his great moral character, Teddy Roosevelt is one of my favorite Profiles in Character.
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Images of Teddy Roosevelt from public domain.
*Brand 199, pg 372
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Episode 28 7/6/2024