Theodore Roosevelt Sr.

Keep the fraction constant. If you cannot increase revenue, reduce expenses. Practice frugality even when you have inherited wealth.

Roosevelt's father taught him a lesson in economy despite their wealth, emphasizing that inherited money should not be wasted. This principle of resourcefulness and careful management stayed with Roosevelt throughout his life.

“The great trick was to keep the fraction constant. If one could not increase the numerator, then one must reduce the denominator.”

Never tolerate deceit or cowardice. Reward courage openly and with dramatic effect, and always demand honesty and integrity from yourself and others.

Roosevelt's father modeled this standard throughout his life, and it shaped Roosevelt's entire career. He later applied this principle in politics by openly calling out corruption and refusing to work with those who lacked courage or forthrightness.

“Deceit or cowardice was not to be tolerated. Courage he rewarded openly and sometimes with dramatic effect.”

Tell those you believe in that you believe in them. Explicit affirmation of confidence in another person provides irreplaceable motivation and strength.

Roosevelt's father explicitly told him he was 'the dearest of his children' and placed 'perfect trust and confidence' in him. This direct affirmation became a foundational source of strength that Roosevelt drew upon for his entire life, especially during periods of profound grief.

“As I saw the last of the train bearing you away, I realized what a luxury it was to have a boy in whom I could place perfect trust and confidence.”

Build your body before building your mind. Physical strength creates the foundation for mental achievement and without a strong body, the mind cannot reach its full potential.

Roosevelt's father explicitly told him: 'Theodore, you have the mind, but you do not have the body. Without the help of the body, the mind cannot go as far as it should.' This lesson from his childhood asthma drove Roosevelt to adopt lifelong habits of strenuous exercise, which became his signature approach to life.

“Theodore, you have the mind, but you do not have the body. Without the help of the body, the mind cannot go as far as it should. You must make your body.”

Get action. Seize the moment. Do not waste time in idleness, as every hour must be accounted for and enjoyed fully.

Theodore Roosevelt Sr. instilled in his son a lifelong motto centered on action and engagement. This principle became Roosevelt's guiding force throughout his life, pushing him to fill every moment with activity, learning, and purpose.

“Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster.”