Two worn leather work gloves lie crossed on a small wooden bench in golden window light.

Original artwork, not a still

Theodore Roosevelt

Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker links having received much with being expected to give much in return. Duties to ourselves still matter alongside duties to other people. The statement refuses an easy choice between the two, insisting that both deserve our care and effort.

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