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Moreover, and above all, let us remember that words count only when they give expression to deeds, or are to be translated into them. The leaders of the Red Terror prattled of peace while they steeped their hands in the blood of the innocent; and many a tyrant has called it peace when he has scourged honest protest into silence. Our words must be judged by our deeds; and in striving for a lofty ideal we must use practical methods; and if we cannot attain all at one leap, we must advance towards it step by step, reasonably content so long as we do actually make some progress in the right direction.

Theodore Roosevelt#47

LeadershipActionIntegrityProgressActions

About this quote

What does it mean?
Words must be backed by deeds; progress should be practical and step-by-step.
In plain terms
Judge people by actions, not words; move forward reasonably.
What can you take from it?
Back words with deeds.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • social reform
  • personal goals

Putting it to work

  • align actions with words
  • plan incremental progress

Questions to consider

  • How do you measure progress?
  • Do you back your words?

Another view

Slow progress might not satisfy urgent needs.

More from Theodore Roosevelt

  1. We must ever bear in mind that the great end in view is righteousness, justice as between man and man, nation and nation, the chance to lead our lives on a som…

    Permalink to quote #46
  2. All really civilized communities should have effective arbitration treaties among themselves. I believe that these treaties can cover almost all questions liab…

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. In our complex industrial civilization of today the peace of righteousness and justice, the only kind of peace worth having, is at least as necessary in the in…

    Permalink to quote #45

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