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Because President Roosevelt is fond of classical antiquity, George W. Smalley hopes he will find interesting parallels between his inaugural address and the speeches of Pericles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-22
Ethan M. Fishman argues that President Theodore Roosevelt’s approach to conservation of natural resources reflects Aristotle’s contention that the most effective political leaders are those who practice prudence. Fishman says that Roosevelt was able to balance the needs of the present with the needs of the future in conservation, and he cites examples such as the setting aside of national forests, monuments, and bird preserves. Fishman explains Aristotle’s definition of prudence, and he cites Pericles and Abraham Lincoln as leaders who practiced prudence in their leadership. Fishman says that Roosevelt’s “applied idealism” approach to governing shows his understanding of the need to uphold ideals while striving to achieve practical ends.
A profile illustration of Lincoln and two photographs of Roosevelt accompany the text.
There has been a movement to relax the requirements for the study of Greek for Rhodes Scholarships, as it proves a stumbling block for many aspirants. However, there are arguments against relaxing these standards. In particular, the study of Greek prepares the student for public life by training him to express his thoughts with brevity and precision. The recent inaugural address of President Roosevelt shows the influence of his study of Greek.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-07