The facade of the Office of Personnel Management in downtown Washington, D.C., displays a prominent banner featuring a portrait of Theodore Roosevelt. An inspiring message accompanies this image, reading, “Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” However, scholars have pointed out an issue with this attribution.
Historians assert that there is no documented evidence that the 26th president ever spoke or wrote these words. Despite the wide circulation of the quote under Roosevelt’s name, experts have found no reliable sources linking the statement to him.
The banner is located on the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building, a testament to Roosevelt’s legacy and impact. Nonetheless, the misattribution highlights the complexities and potential inaccuracies that can arise with historical quotations, emphasizing the importance of verification and historical accuracy.