The Old Lion: A Novel of Theodore Roosevelt

by Jeff Shaara

Roosevelt hated President Woodrow Wilson, considered him a disaster for the nation’s foreign policy, and was absolutely certain that Wilson’s naked idealism and mindless ambition would accomplish nothing to heal anyone’s wounds and might sow the seeds for yet another war.

The worst of all fears is the fear of living. —THEODORE ROOSEVELT

If God had a lesson, or a message, there shouldn’t be a go-between.

George Washington once said, ‘to be prepared for war is the most effectual means to promote peace.’

You ever get afraid? Dying and all?” Roosevelt was surprised by the question. “Every day. And never. If I’ve done the right thing and have a clear conscience, I’m ready to go out. If I have to make up for something, well, then I want more time. I suppose that’s what makes me afraid, that I’ve left too much undone.”

No matter if an entire squadron is fresh, no one wants to be the man who runs, who can’t take it. They say that cowardice is contagious. I don’t believe that. From my experience, it’s the other way around. It’s bravery that’s contagious.

looked again at the sculpture, the cowboy struggling to handle the bucking bronco. Such is life, he thought. Mine, theirs. We must all learn to handle what comes next, no matter the struggle.