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Lot #49
Theodore Roosevelt

"I would rather not live at all than merely live as an efficient machine"

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

"I would rather not live at all than merely live as an efficient machine"

ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.75 x 7.5, Sagamore Hill letterhead, October 15, 1916. Letter to Sir Rennell Rudd, in part: "Of course I am delighted with ‘Love, Worship and Death’—and I appreciate the inscription as much as the volume itself. I requite your ill by sending you my ‘Fear God and Take Your Own Part.’ Glance at the first and last chapters; much the best part of the book is the little which Mrs. Roosevelt suggested to me. I have spoken to my fellow-countrymen with the frankness of an open nature! You have lived in terrible, but heroic days; and you and yours have been equal to the days. I heartily congratulate you on the example of your gallant son; the record made by your nephews is noteworthy indeed. What a blessing it has been that you have been able to get some relief from the strain out of the Greek lyricists. I hope your dear wife has been able to get some outside comfort also—pray give her our warmest sympathy and regard. I have never been sure how much a lover of books, and blue seas, and pine woods, and temples and mountains, added to one’s efficiency or usefulness; but I would rather not live at all than merely live as an efficient machine—to speak in the superlative, I'd as soon be a Prussian." In fine condition, with mild brushing to ink.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #541 - Ended December 05, 2018





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