Theodore Roosevelt's Personality Analysis

Theodore Roosevelt was often thought of as an exuberant, forthright, diligent, robust, athletic, determined and assertive individual ever since he was a child. This was not necessarily the case, as some of Roosevelt’s character in his later life was shaped during his younger years. Roosevelt was always intelligent as a young boy who had many different interests. Despite his intelligence, asthma troubled his body, and bullies teased him for his weak bodily structure, and timid nature. Theodore “Thee” Roosevelt Sr., Roosevelt’s father, told Theodore, to “make” his body and get physically into shape to escape his asthma, become strong and athletic in the process, and gain the confidence to challenge his bullies. Roosevelt always respected his

For the most part, Taft has stayed consistent with his younger self. For example, he had been a healthy, strong boy whose kindness was always evident. He eventually let his strongly-built body to become obese through inactive choices, and was often made fun of as a child. Taft also had a problem with procrastination. His father, Alphonso Taft, knew his son did not apply himself in school as well as he could have, and procrastinated. Alphonso disapproved of any activity not related directly to classwork, and forced his son to do well in school to receive his support and love. He used a “tough-love” approach, and it (somewhat) worked. Taft was able to become the Salutatorian of his graduating class at Yale, but throughout his life, he continued to procrastinate. He was considered the most popular person in his graduating class, and the elected president of Delta Kappa and later his class orator. Despite the questionable influence from his father, his mother and grandmother were able to influence Taft’s political views of the Progressive feminist movement and he “. . . began to develop a progressive sensitivity . . .” (Goodwin 29). The Progressive views of his mother and grandmother stuck with Taft throughout his lifetime, and as he held governmental positions ranging from a Judge in the

Both of their fathers attempted to help them, and were influences on their life, whether big or small. Both Roosevelt and Taft gained political influences from their family to become Progressive Republicans. The two men were also very intelligent, went to ivy-league schools and performed extremely well. They both kept involved in their time in university, and after they graduated, they both held many public offices which led to their presidency. Both Theodore and Taft grew up “. . . as the favored child in close-knit, illustrious families where affection and respect abounded. Both inherited from their fathers legacies of honorable and distinguished careers, as well as a commitment to public service and a dedication to the Republican Party” (Goodwin 48). Despite their comparisons, however, there were many differences between the two. Their temperaments contrasted greatly: Roosevelt’s mind moved “. . . by flashes or whims or sudden impulses [and Taft’s moved] . . . in straight lines and by long, logical habit” (Goodwin 14). Their beginnings as young children were different: Roosevelt was weak and small as a child, yet Taft was stronger and larger. Roosevelt’s “. . . determination to escape an invalid’s fate led him to transform his body and timid demeanor through strenuous work . . . [while] Taft, on the other hand, blessed from birth with robust health,