In the American Museum of Natural History in New York City stands a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, an avid naturalist, a great friend to the museum, and the 26th president of the United States. Inscribed on this memorial, under the title “Youth,” are these words from Roosevelt that are inspiring even to those of us whose youth is in our past:
“I want to see you game, boys; I want to see you brave . . . , and I also want to see you gentle and tender. Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. Courage, hard work, self-mastery, and intelligent effort are all essential to successful life. Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.”
Theodore Roosevelt didn’t just believe these words; he lived them. Though he suffered ill health as a child, he worked hard at overcoming his challenges. By the time he reached adulthood, he was well known for his robust approach to living. Roosevelt lived with a gusto and exuberance that led him to the White House and finally to an honored place on Mt. Rushmore. If anyone seems qualified to give advice about the “successful life,” it’s Theodore Roosevelt.
That success may look different for each of us, because each life is unique. Some do a lot with very little, and others are blessed with abundance. But Roosevelt was right—regardless of our situations, there are some essential elements that lead to success for any individual or nation: bravery balanced with gentleness, practicality combined with generosity, always keeping our “eyes on the stars” and our “feet on the ground.” At the beginning of a new year or any day of the year, it’s never a bad time to seriously consider who we really are, what we are about, and where we want to go. It’s never a bad time to begin anew the pursuit of a successful life.
-Lloyd D. Newell
Dec. 27, 2015
Broadcast Number 4,502
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Coming of a New Year
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Organist
Richard Elliott
Host
Lloyd Newell
Let There Be Light!
Gilbert M. Martin
Come, Let Us Anew
Attributed to James Lucas; arr. Mack Wilberg
Norwegian Rustic March, from Lyric Pieces
Edvard Grieg
Over the Rainbow, from The Wizard of Oz
Harold Arlen; arr. Arthur Harris
I’ll Begin Again, from Scrooge
Leslie Bricusse; arr. Richard Elliott
Hold On, from The Secret Garden
Lucy Simon; arr. Ryan Murphy