Over the course of his long political career, Theodore Roosevelt made many memorable speeches, but one of the most famous quotes attributed to him is, “Walk softly, but carry a big stick.” It’s catchy, clever, and thought-provoking, but not quite what he said.
The actual phrase he used, and apparently liked a lot, was “Speak softly and carry a big stick: You will go far.” In terms of political ideology, it stresses the use of diplomacy and negotiation, and using military force as a backup, only if needed. T.R. wrote the phrase in a letter in 1900 and spoke it in a speech he delivered at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 2, 1901.
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About the Author
Native New Yorker, Darlene Cah is a writer, actor/improvisor, and digital content specialist based in North Carolina. Her short stories have appeared in Smokelong Quarterly, Red Earth Review, Have a NYC (Anthology), Referential Magazine, and other journals. Fiction awards include Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, Emrys Fiction Prize, Semifinalist ScreenCraft Cinematic Short Story Contest, and more. Advertising awards include Finalist Media Post Awards for email, Honorable Mention Clios, One Shows, and Andys (print). When not writing for INSP, you’ll find her on stage, backstage, or coaching improv for Shakespeare & Friends Theater Company. And, of course, playing fetch with her dog.
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