Former President Theodore Roosevelt's famous speech The Strenuous Life begins with Roosevelt's confession, "I wish to preach... the doctrine of the strenuous life." He 'preaches' in this speech about what he believes the strenuous life really is, and why it is a valuable part of what makes America a powerful and meaningful country.
He says that because life in America was difficult (especially during the early 20th century), that men and women will find great meaning in life, if they are willing to work hard without succumbing to bitterness and resent toward the situation. He continues by reminding the American people that those who do not feel called or able to use their bodies to do manual labor ought to consider a career in the arts or the sciences, claiming that working hard is an essential part of a moral, fulfilling life.
Roosevelt says that when life is difficult, we tend to become emotional, sometimes resorting to feelings of victimhood. But he reminds his audience that if they can find the meaning in their work, then the strenuous life is the most fulfilling one, even though, emotionally, it doesn't always feel that way.
