“A great democratic commonwealth should seek to produce and reward that individual distinction which results in the efficient performance of needed work, for such performance is of high value to the whole community. But hand in hand with this purpose must go the purpose which Abraham Lincoln designated as the “amelioration of mankind.” Only by an intelligent effort to realize this joint process of individual and social betterment can we keep our democracy sound.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

1910s, The Progressives, Past and Present (1910)

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Theodore Roosevelt 445

American politician, 26th president of the United States 1858–1919

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