Theodore Roosevelt Childhood
Theodore Roosevelt believes the ideal virtue is to be backed by a virtuous form of family life—a man and woman loving each other and fearlessly accepting their common obligation: their children. They should have a sense of duty, but it should be backed with a joy of living.
He had a fond regard for his father, as he would say, “I never knew anyone who got greater joy out of living than did my father, or anyone who more wholeheartedly performed every duty.”
His father died young; his father did some practical charitable work himself, as he would describe his father, with a leonine face, but his father also had gentleness. On the other hand, his mother, as he described, was a most devoted mother with a strong sense of humor. Although found to be “unreconstructed” till her last days, T. Roosevelt attempted a partial vengeance by praying with fervor for the success of the Union arms when they all came to pray during the evening. Still, he was unable to punish her with his amusement toward him.
Early Life and Scientific Interests
From a very young age, Roosevelt was an avid naturalist. He had a personal “museum” in his home where he collected and preserved specimens of animals, and he even taught himself taxidermy. He published a booklet on the birds of the Adirondacks at just 18 years old, which earned him recognition from professional naturalists. His dedication to science was so significant that when he entered Harvard University, he initially pursued a degree in natural history.
Shift to Public Service
The trajectory of his life changed dramatically after the death of his father in 1878. Feeling a deep responsibility to honor his father’s legacy of public service, Roosevelt decided to shift his career path. He changed his major to history and government and eventually attended Columbia Law School, though he found law to be an “irrational” subject. This pivot led him to a career in politics, which he believed was the best way to serve his country.
The Vigor of His Life
Boxing was one of Theodore Roosevelt’s primary forms of exercise, and he continued the practice during his time in the legislature and throughout his life.
Theodore Roosevelt was an avid hunter and had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He viewed hunting as a way to connect with the wilderness and embody the “strenuous life” he so often championed. His hunting adventures took him all over the world, from the American West to a major scientific expedition in Africa. He co-founded the Boone and Crockett Club, an organization dedicated to ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. He also used his presidency to set aside millions of acres of federal land for national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, a legacy that is still felt today.
This led Roosevelt to adopt a “strenuous life,” a philosophy he later promoted as an ideal for all Americans.
Political
Theodore Roosevelt believed that to do good work for the country, a person must have a genuine sense of camaraderie with their fellow Americans, no matter their origin or occupation. This idea, which he expressed in his writings and speeches, emphasizes the importance of shared purpose and unity among all citizens.
This belief was particularly significant during Roosevelt’s time as president (1901-1909), a period of intense immigration and industrialization in the United States. The country was a melting pot of different cultures and classes, and Roosevelt’s message aimed to bridge these divides. He championed the concept of the “Square Deal,” which sought to ensure fairness for all Americans, whether they were factory workers, farmers, or business owners. By promoting this sense of common cause, he hoped to foster a stronger, more cohesive nation.
Roosevelt’s Personal Philosophy and the “Strenuous Life”
The Civil War was a constant backdrop for Roosevelt’s childhood. The stories of heroism and sacrifice from the war deeply influenced his personal philosophy.
Respect for Military Service: The fact that his father did not fight instilled in Roosevelt a lifelong belief that military service was an essential duty for a citizen and a measure of a person’s worth. This conviction led him to a career of public service, which included his famous command of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. His embrace of the “strenuous life” was a reaction against what he saw as the complacency of the Gilded Age and a call for a return to the virtues he associated with the men who fought in the Civil War.
His Admiration for Lincoln: Theodore Roosevelt held a profound respect for Abraham Lincoln, seeing him as the quintessential American hero and a model for presidential leadership. He admired Lincoln’s unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and his political astuteness in a time of crisis. Roosevelt often studied Lincoln’s leadership and considered him the greatest president in American history.
Richard Uzelac on Strenuous Life
The strenuous life—a life of effort, risk, and unyielding will. Theodore Roosevelt did not seek comfort, but rather challenge; not ease, but exertion. In that same spirit, with Roosevelt, I have always believed that the true measure of a life is found in the arena—among those who dare greatly, who spend themselves in a worthy cause, who choose toil and sweat over ease and comfort.
The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt’s journey through political life is a remarkable story of courage, reform, and adventure. As a progressive Governor of New York from 1898, Roosevelt championed social reforms and conservation initiatives, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
His progressive governance caught the attention of the Republican Party, leading to his selection as William McKinley’s running mate in the 1900 election. However, after McKinley’s tragic assassination in September 1901, Roosevelt ascended to the presidency at the age of 42, making him the youngest president in U.S. history.
During his presidency from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt pursued an ambitious agenda that emphasized the importance of active government involvement in promoting public welfare. He was a trailblazer in conservation, establishing the first national parks and wildlife refuges and expanding federal oversight of businesses. His efforts not only protected America’s natural heritage but also marked a significant departure from the laissez-faire attitudes of previous administrations. On the international stage, he positioned the U.S. as a burgeoning world power while advocating for the rights of smaller nations, reflecting his belief in the importance of justice and fairness.
Roosevelt’s commitment to progressive causes was evident in his support for labor rights and women’s suffrage. Although his views on race and imperialism sparked controversy, his legacy as a reformer remains influential. He engaged with the pressing social issues of his time and worked tirelessly to find solutions that benefited the wider population.
After his presidency, from 1909 to 1919, Roosevelt remained a vibrant figure in American life. He embarked on extraordinary adventures, including an African safari and an exploration of the Amazon rainforest. Politically, he was not done yet; he famously ran for president again in 1912 as the Progressive Party candidate. Despite his efforts, he lost to Woodrow Wilson.
During World War I, he became an outspoken advocate for American intervention and voiced criticism of Wilson’s policies, demonstrating his continued involvement in shaping national discourse.
In his later years, Roosevelt turned to writing, producing memoirs and historical works that reflected his vast experiences. However, his health began to decline, and he faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his son Quentin in World War I in 1918, which took a profound toll on him.
Roosevelt passed away on January 6, 1919, at the age of 60, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most dynamic and complex figures in American history.
Roosevelt’s life tells the story of a leader who was unafraid to push boundaries, advocated for those who were underprivileged, and lived an adventurous life.
