The canal was by far the most important action I took in foreign affairs during the time I was President. When nobody could or would exercise efficient authority, I exercised it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker claims credit for the Panama Canal, asserting decisive leadership when others hesitated.
- In plain terms
- I did the important work when no one else would.
- What can you take from it?
- Decisive action is needed when authority is lacking.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When must you take charge alone?
- How do you act when others hesitate?
Another view
It focuses on individual action over collaborative effort.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
With self-discipline most anything is possible.
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