I don't pity any man who does hard work worth doing. I admire him. I pity the creature who does not work, at whichever end of the social scale he may regard himself as being.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Roosevelt expresses admiration for hardworking individuals and pity for those who refuse to work regardless of their social status.
- In plain terms
- I respect people who work hard and feel sorry for those who do not work at all.
- What can you take from it?
- Hard work is honorable; idleness is pitiable regardless of social class.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines 'worth doing' work?
- Is idleness always a choice?
Another view
This perspective overlooks systemic barriers that prevent some from working.
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I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!
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