Blessed old fellow, I was so glad to get your letter. I want you to feel that you have in you the making of a man, and I want you to be eager to develop what is best in you.
You know I have the utmost confidence in you, old man, and I know that you will come out all right. You have such a good heart and such a straight nature that I am not a bit worried about your getting along well with your companions and with your masters.
The thing I want you to remember is that it is of the utmost importance to form good habits of work. A lazy man is of no use, no matter how pleasant and good-natured he may be.
I want you always to remember that you must work hard in order to succeed, and that the success will be proportionate to the energy and intelligence you show in your work.
But don’t think that work is inconsistent with enjoying yourself. If you work hard, then when you do play you will play all the harder, and your play will do you all the more good.
About This Letter
Historical Context
Written when Theodore Roosevelt was President and Kermit was a teenager. Part of extensive correspondence between father and son during Roosevelt's presidency.
Significance
Exemplifies Roosevelt's philosophy of the 'strenuous life' and his approach to raising children with strong character and outdoor values.
About Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was the 26th President, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and devoted father who maintained close correspondence with all his children.
About Kermit Roosevelt
Kermit Roosevelt (1889-1943) was Theodore's second son, who shared his father's love of adventure and exploration, joining him on expeditions to Africa and South America.
Additional Resources
- Project Gutenberg Letters to His Children Complete collection of Roosevelt's letters to his children
- Library of Congress Theodore Roosevelt Papers Comprehensive digital archive of Roosevelt documents