I have always been fond of the West African proverb "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

This is the first known use of this phrase, which became a signature motto of Roosevelt's after he used it in a speech as Vice-President at the Minnesota State Fair

Letter to Henry L. Sprague (26 January 1900)

Archive.is American Treasures of the Library of Congress


I have always been fond of the West African proverb Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.

I have always been fond of the West African proverb Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.

I have always been fond of the West African proverb Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.

I have always been fond of the West African proverb Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.