This collection displays Theodore Roosevelt's manner of thought in a large number of situations. All of the works between these covers were speeches given before groups of people. All of them have certain themes, and all of them have a common thread; this is the importance of both manliness and morality. These things are important to the development of strong, upstanding citizens that will be able to carry on the good name of The United States of America. It is rather charming in some ways, but Roosevelt is quite earnest in his convictions. This is around the era of Manifest Destiny and all that it entails, so he lays it on thick with how awesome America is and can continue to be.

There are Nineteen addresses in all, and all of them have a page telling you where and when they were made. They are as follows:
The Strenuous Life
Expansion and Peace
Latitude and Longitude Among Reformers
Fellow-Feeling as a Political Factor
Civic Helpfulness
Character and Success
The Eighth and Ninth Commandment in Politics
The Best and The Good
Promise and Performance
The American Boy
Military Preparedness and Unpreparedness
Admiral Dewey
Grant
The Two Americas
Manhood and Statehood
Brotherhood and the Heroic Virtues
National Duties
The Labor Question
Christian Citizenship

The speeches were not bad, and Theodore Roosevelt does display a good understanding of how some things work, but a lot of his positions are untenable in the cosmopolitan world of today. It makes me wonder how my views and opinions will be seen a century from now, especially since I will most likely be dead by then. ( )

A series of essays and speeches from Theodore Roosevelt, mostly focusing on having a strong work ethic, Christian fellowship, and the greatness of the American people in the aftermath of two wars; the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, which Roosevelt fought in.

In the various speeches and essays included here, Roosevelt's main points revolve around American leadership and what makes for a great citizen in the republic. This, unfortunately, is at the disservice of Native Americans and anyone from a non-Christian religion. However, other than this glaring xenophobic streak, there is a lot of good in what Roosevelt has to say.

Reading this in the current political climate, it is quite clear how Roosevelt would feel about the leadership and everything they are doing, and this is exactly why I would recommend everyone read this. What Roosevelt considers truly evil is what we should all be on the lookout for. ( )

Roosevelt's speeches read like a great apologia for the Protestant work ethic. I could not help but think that we have failed to capitalise on his progressive zeal. At times, I found Roosevelt's words to be rousing, at others, antiquated in their institutionalised view of women and "others", yet inclusive and accepting of diversity. Nationalism underpins much of Roosevelt's rhetoric, not empty, but nevertheless of his time. There is much wisdom in his ideal of the strenuous life, and much warning of the over-strenuous. I am cautious about the applicability of his lessons to present times, not so much because of his words but because of the way history has played out in spite of them. The ideas of manliness resonate from time to time, but I could not help but feel a distinct "foreignness" in the underpinning idealism. Although Roosevelt has been built into an icon, his words convey a measured tenacity and ability to rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. Herein, for me at least, lies the greatest lesson. If we strip away the legend, and look to the man (as Roosevelt may well have agreed), we can see an ordinary human being who became extraordinary through great effort and an ability to be great despite living with many of the ailments suffered by fellow mortals. If I were to sum up the man? No-nonsense, progressive pragmatism. I suppose what perplexes me is the historical baggage. Much like reading and admiring Hemingway's work, one must constantly forgive the context. Upon finishing the works, the "Whose motorcycle is this?" scene from Pulp Fiction comes to mind. ( )

Theodore waxes lyrical about a number of issues in a series of speeches, articles and addresses collected here. Some great insights into the man himself and some still relevant warnings about the dangers of governments that no longer address the needs of their peoples and irresponsible big business that we obviously did not heed. ( )