World's Most Interesting People: Theodore Roosevelt

Welcome to the first in a new series, World’s Most Interesting People. The intent is to spread the word of famous but often slept-on people, dead or alive, that align with our themes of growth, travel, and boldness.

First up—Teddy Roo.

Today marks 106 years since his death in 1919, and he’s actually interesting as hell, making him a prime candidate for our debut spot.

The Adventurous Life of Theodore Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt remains one of the most undisputed dynamic and fearless figures in history.

Known for his boundless energy and zest for life, Roosevelt’s legacy is far more than his role as the 26th President of the United States.

We’ll focus on his life outside of politics, which was much more interesting.

He was a polymath, a world traveler, and a man who channeled personal tragedy into bold action.

1. A Jack of All Trades Who Valued Fitness

From boxing and hiking to mastering foreign languages, Ted embraced a "vigorous life" of continuous growth.

Struggling with severe asthma as a child, he discovered on a hike in the Alps that physical activity improved his condition. This epiphany shaped his lifelong commitment to fitness and adventure.

He competed in boxing matches in college and wasn’t scared to get bloody. In contrast, he was a nerd when it was time to hit the books.

Gotta love a good paradoxical personality.

“Take care of your morals first, your health next, and finally your studies.” Roosevelt lived by this mantra passed down by his father, becoming a man of robust character and unparalleled energy.

2. Facing Loss Through Risk and Exploration

Few have endured heartbreak like Roosevelt. On February 14, 1884, both his mother and his wife passed away just hours apart.

Imagine the two closest women in your life dying on the same day—Valentine’s Day.

Overwhelmed with grief, he retreated to the Dakotas to be an absolute savage hunting bison and bears.

Years later, when his bid for reelection failed in 1912, Roosevelt sought solace in exploration again—this time by leading a perilous expedition to map an uncharted tributary of the Amazon.

The journey nearly cost him his life, as he suffered from a severe infection and lost 50 pounds. Three members of his team did not survive.

3. A World Traveler and Conservationist

Roosevelt wasn’t just a politician—he was an explorer of the highest order. He traveled in Africa for a year, journeyed through Patagonia, and explored aross Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

“The man should have youth and strength who seeks adventure...in the steaming jungles of the tropics or on the deserts of sand or snow,” he wrote, embodying his belief that exploration was essential to personal growth.

His travels deeply influenced his environmental policy as the US’s leader.

Roosevelt was THE president to establish national parks in the US, ensuring future generations could experience the wild landscapes he cherished.

As someone who’s enjoyed some of our nation’s gems like the Grand Tetons and the Rockies, he’s got my respect.

4. A Legacy of Resilience and Growth

Roosevelt’s boldness extended to his family.

Where might you find Kermit Roosevelt, one of Teddy's sons, when he was a 21 year old man? In Brazil, posted up with the locals speaking clean ass Portuguese with a perfect Brazilian accent.

Get this—working on the construction of a bridge in Brazil, the bridge collapsed under Kermit’s feet as he walked across (probably talking shit in Portuguese and smoking a cigarette) and sent him free falling hundreds of feet to the depths below.

He crawled out of the debris alive, dusted himself off, and said fuck it—soon after, he’d propose to the ambassador to Spain’s daughter.

He was one bad man.

In addition to his near-native level of Portuguese, he read or spoke Greek, French, Swahili, Arabic, Hindustani, Urdu, and Romany.

All of Roosevelt’s children were these badass, interesting people, seemingly fearless to travel, learn, and be great. They were undoubtedly shaped by their father’s charismatic, unapologetic hunger for growth.

Reflections

Do you see yourself in Roosevelt in any way?

Does his story inspire you to take more risk, learn more, and lean into life?

He stuck out to me because we’ve traveled some of the same routes (South America, Patagonia) and acquired some of the same skills (boxing, languages).

I’d done these things before I ever knew the guy was anything more than some ancient US president from a hundred+ years ago.

Who’s an interesting person that you feel is slept-on in terms of people’s appreciation for their boldness, travels, or growth?

Thanks for reading,

Bogota, D.C., Colombia | January 2025

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