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I cannot tell you of what infinitesimal importance I regard this incident as compared with the great issues at stake in this campaign, and I ask it not for my sake, not the least in the world, but for the sake of common country, that they make up their minds to speak only the truth, and not use that kind of slander and mendacity which if taken seriously must incite weak and violent natures to crimes of violence. Don't you make any mistake. Don't you pity me. I am all right. I am all right and you cannot escape listening to the speech either.

Theodore Roosevelt#55

PoliticsTruthPatriotismDebate

About this quote

What does it mean?
Truth is vital for the nation; avoid using slander even against political opponents.
In plain terms
Speak truth not for yourself but for your country; avoid lies.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize truth over personal victory.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • debate
  • public discourse

Putting it to work

  • reject slander
  • focus on issues

Questions to consider

  • Why does truth matter in politics?
  • How do you handle opposition?

Another view

Sometimes hard truths can cause unrest.

More from Theodore Roosevelt

  1. Friends, I will disown and repudiate any man of my party who attacks with such foul slander and abuse any opponent of any other party.

    Permalink to quote #54
  2. I am all right - I am a little sore. Anybody has a right to be sore with a bullet in him. You would find that if I was in battle now I would be leading my men …

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. I am in this cause with my whole heart and soul. I believe that the Progressive movement is making life a little easier for all our people; a movement to try t…

    Permalink to quote #53

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