Theodore Roosevelt. As President’s Day arrives I quote Teddy Roosevelt, and comment after:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
I’m a fan of Roosevelt and for me this is a favorite. I like the end best “who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” I personally have enjoyed victories and suffered defeats. There has been joys and sorrows, ups and downs. I have dared greatly and known others who have done likewise. I have lived my life ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA. I believe I am best when I surround myself with others who risk even if they fail. The business of life is most full while I live and risk among those who do likewise. While I seek peace I am most comfortable among the warriors of life. True warriors have an inner peace that is palpable. Today may you find both peace and your warrior side.
