“For us is the life of action, of strenuous performance of duty; let us live in the harness, striving mightily; let us rather run the risk of wearing out than rusting out.”

–Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
26th president of the United States

Roosevelt was an advocate for “the life of strenuous endeavor.” He was a rancher, captured an outlaw, authored 35 books, served as president of the American Historical Association, led two major scientific expeditions for prominent American museums, served as president of the United States (started as the youngest in history – 42), won the Nobel Peace Prize, and was the father of six children.

After he left the Presidency in 1909, he went on a safari in Africa. When he returned, he ran for President in 1912 as an independent because he lost the Republican nomination. While campaigning, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic and ultimately recovered. His words at the time…

“No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.”