Author Topic: Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick? (Read 925 times)

aknimitz · « **on:** April 05, 2004, 03:48:18 PM »

Ok, I need an intraoffice conflict resolved! I am 99.99999999999% positive he said "Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick" ... however, people in my office insist that he said "Talk Softly and Carry a Big Stick" ... I've looked a little on the internet, and there are resources that say both!

Can someone find me some definitive proof that I am right, please!??!

Thank you for your help.

Nim

Ripsnort · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:50:09 PM »

Harry S. Truman stated: "Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

Edit: Doh! Teddy Roosevelt as though said below. I get those two mixed up for some reason (Not the persons, the names..)

Steve · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:50:53 PM »

Actually it's both!

Tarmac · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:52:38 PM »

Heh, I thought it was "speak softly, and carry a big stick."

ed: one source, crediting Teddy Roosevelt.

http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/1235

ed: another:

http://www.spicyquotes.com/html/Theodore_Roosevelt_Diplomacy.html

aknimitz · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:52:46 PM »

Truman or Roosevelt?

Steve · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:55:11 PM »

Roosevelt

aknimitz · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:56:12 PM »

So - whats the quote??!

Nim

aknimitz · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:58:22 PM »

Ah, here's the best so far, looks like Tarmac may be right!

HERE!

Nim

Steve · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:58:28 PM »

both... "Speak softly" evolved into "walk softly."

Tarmac · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:59:33 PM »

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

You and your coworkers are all wrong.

aknimitz · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:02:09 PM »

Steve, you gotta give me a little more proof

I cannot just tell them "Steve said so" ... Tarmac, SHUDDUP!

Nim

Tarmac · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:03:23 PM »

Library of Congress website = teh win.

Didn't know it was an African proverb, or that it had the second part "you will go far."

At least your coworkers weren't right.

Steve · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:05:36 PM »

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm139.html

Roosevelt said "Speak softly" it was later perverted to "Walk Softly". It originated as a West African proverb.

midnight Target · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:33:26 PM »

Cool. I always thought it was "walk". This BBS rocks.

AKIron · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2004, 05:09:56 PM »

My grade school teacher said "chalk softly or get hit with a big stick".