Theodore Roosevelt Myths & Misconceptions
He Never Liked Being Called Teddy. That's Just the First Surprise.
Common Misquotes
What He Actually Said
The "man in the arena" is genuine; plenty of internet favorites are not. How famous lines get misattributed — and how to check a quote's source for yourself.
The "Teddy" Nickname
The Name He Never Chose
A 1902 bear-hunt cartoon made the nickname immortal, but family and friends knew him as Theodore or TR — and the evidence shows he never cared for "Teddy."