Just a quick post for today. As many long-time readers know, Theodore Roosevelt is one of my heroes. I love writing about him because he was such an inspiring person who truly lived like he spoke.

On April 10, 1899, Roosevelt gave a speech called The Strenuous Lifethat encapsulated his grand life philosophy.  “A life of ignoble ease, a life of that peace which springs merely from lack either of desire or of power to strive after great things, is as little worthy of a nation as of an individual.”

Roosevelt was probably the most active president we’ve ever had. How could anyone surpass him? But he did it all with such grace and strength of character.  No one would ever guess that his parents were told when he was small that he was a weakly child who would have a short life.  To the United States’ great fortune, the boy’s spirit rebelled.

Roosevelt took up wrestling and  jiu jitsu in college. 

Check out Roosevelt’s perfect posture and dress as he casually guides his horse to leap over a fence.

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Roosevelt seated in boat during the during the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition to Brazil. This was when Roosevelt traversed the River of Doubt in 1913,  a dark and uncharted tributary of the Amazon that winds through the treacherous jungles.

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Check out how Theodore Roosevelt was nearly assassinated and, while bleeding profusely, insisted on being taken to a large venue to give his speech anyway. 

What a great American and a great man he was!