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About this quote

What does it mean?
Roosevelt notes that current ease comes from past hard work; nothing is truly free.
In plain terms
If things are easy now, someone worked hard before to make them so.
What can you take from it?
Present comfort is built on past effort.

Where it applies

  • motivation
  • gratitude
  • planning

Putting it to work

  • valuing past work
  • preparing for the future
  • working hard

Questions to consider

  • What effort are you building for the future?
  • Is comfort always earned?

Another view

This implies those not working hard in the past are less worthy.

More from Theodore Roosevelt

  1. For unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of children, if things go reasonably well, certainly all other forms of success and achievement lose their i…

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  2. Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster.

    Permalink to quote #74
  3. Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.

    Permalink to quote #71

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