Theodore Roosevelt (1) (1858–1919)

I looked forward to this book, but now that I have finished, it might well have been about the Trump brothers. Two elites who epitomized the term ugly Americans, the Roosevelt brothers managed to take advantage of everyone they came in contact with. Their idea of a fair trade was a mechanical flashlight in exchange for priceless religious artifacts such as important illuminated manuscripts. They usually bullied the natives into trading even when they didn't want to. Here is a particularly show more painful example:
"A pathetic incident of our day at Muping was a visit from the widow of the Tibetan prince from Tatsienlu. She came with her daughter, a girl of eleven. The woman was plain, middle-aged and rather stupid looking. The purpose of their visit was to ask us to intercede for them with the Chengtu government. They were afraid that the government might have them executed. I am persuaded that their fear was groundless, but it was very real to them. They brought us gifts of dried meat. We gave them in return a silk scarf. On leaving us they stopped at our kitchen to beg an empty tin can from the cook."
End of that story, on to the hunting. This tone ran throughout the book. show less

Roosevelt's speeches read like a great apologia for the Protestant work ethic. I could not help but think that we have failed to capitalise on his progressive zeal. At times, I found Roosevelt's words to be rousing, at others, antiquated in their institutionalised view of women and "others", yet inclusive and accepting of diversity. Nationalism underpins much of Roosevelt's rhetoric, not empty, but nevertheless of his time. There is much wisdom in his ideal of the strenuous life, and much show more warning of the over-strenuous. I am cautious about the applicability of his lessons to present times, not so much because of his words but because of the way history has played out in spite of them. The ideas of manliness resonate from time to time, but I could not help but feel a distinct "foreignness" in the underpinning idealism. Although Roosevelt has been built into an icon, his words convey a measured tenacity and ability to rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. Herein, for me at least, lies the greatest lesson. If we strip away the legend, and look to the man (as Roosevelt may well have agreed), we can see an ordinary human being who became extraordinary through great effort and an ability to be great despite living with many of the ailments suffered by fellow mortals. If I were to sum up the man? No-nonsense, progressive pragmatism. I suppose what perplexes me is the historical baggage. Much like reading and admiring Hemingway's work, one must constantly forgive the context. Upon finishing the works, the "Whose motorcycle is this?" scene from Pulp Fiction comes to mind. show less

Not only the memoirs of a great man, but also a valuable insight into the operations of political machinery.

Roosevelt may be faulted for being overly defensive of his actions and decisions, but his reasoning demonstrates a concern for the citizens of his country, and an anticipation of the future.

An interesting and exciting read from back when US presidents weren’t all wimps. Teddy hasn’t got any Secret Service detachment as he risks life and limb to explore the largely uncharted River of Doubt in Brazil (this was after being president). Roosevelt generally understates the situation as the party undergoes hardship after hardship (drowning, murder, disease, rain, insects, starvation, rapids). There is also a tendency towards repetition.

A bully good read!