Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
Making a Difference in Rural Illinois
A Foundation for Sustainable Rural Community Development
Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal
“I stand for the square deal. But when I say that I am for the square deal, I mean not merely that I stand for fair play under the present rules of the game, but that I stand for having those rules changed so as to work for a more substantial equality of opportunity and of reward for equally good service. . . .
“When I say I want a square deal for the poor man, I do not mean that I want a square deal for the man who remains poor because he has not got the energy to work for himself. If a man who has had a chance will not make good, then he has got to quit. . . .
“The fundamental thing to do for every man is to give him a chance, not push him up if he will not be pushed. Help any man who stumble; if he lies down, it is a poor job to try to carry him; but if he is a worthy man, try your best to see that he gets his chance to show the worth that is in him” (Auchincloss, 2004, p. 803-804).
Recommended Resource
- Auchincloss, Louis. (ed.) 2004. Theodore Roosevelt: Letters and Speeches. New York: Library of America. From Roosevelt’s Speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, August 31, 1910.
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