
“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
Source: Wall and Piece
“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
Ch. XV : The Peace of Righteousness http://books.google.com/books?id=Io4fAAAAIAAJ&q=%22The+only+safe+rule+is+to+promise+little+and+faithfully+to+keep+every+promise+to+speak+softly+and+carry+a+big+stick%22&pg=PA537#v=onepage
1910s, Theodore Roosevelt — An Autobiography (1913)
1900s, The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses (1900), National Duties
Context: Right here let me make as vigorous a plea as I know how in favor of saying nothing that we do not mean, and of acting without hesitation up to whatever we say. A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick—you will go far." If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble; and neither will speaking softly avail, if back of the softness there does not lie strength, power.
“Sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin.”
Source: President Biden says on new aid to Ukraine, putting a twist on Roosevelt's phrase.
"Susan Cain: Quiet revolutionary" speaker profile at TED.com, February 2012 (est.)
“Speak more softly to be better heard by a deaf public.”
Letter (5–6 January 1932); published in Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters 1917–1961 (1981) edited by Carlos Baker
“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.”