"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

– Excerpt from "Citizen in a Republic" Speech by Theodore Roosevelt, 1910

The folks at Mental Floss will do a way better job than myself of telling you about the history and background of this speech, but I can tell you my history with it, and why I chose to make it into art! I have had the pleasure of working under the leadership and vision of some amazing people. I still remember the time my employer read this part of Theodore Roosevelts speech, and its marked me ever since. I was recently reminded of it, and I was so inspired to make it. One of the things I wanted to achieve in the design is to specifically call out each different portion of this brilliant quote – there is so much to take in, and I hope this helps! I can think of so many people Id love to gift this to, and so the team and I were intentional to bring you this new piece in time for holiday! The piece in the photo is 30x38, Alabaster, and framed in the Gallery Natural. Whether you customize yours to be large like this one or choose an art print, it is sure to make a meaningful impact in whatever space becomes its home. (Oh, and one other cool thing about this piece is thats a replica of Theodore Roosevelts exact signature on it!)

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