“Walk softly and carry a bent stick” (archery adage)
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) wrote in January 1900, “I have always been fond of the West African proverb ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.’” Roosevelt’s “big stick” saying has been used in archery.
“Walk/Stalk softly and carry a bent stick” (a bow) has been cited in print since at least 2003. “Toxophily, and carry a bent stick” (“toxophily” is the love of archery) has been cited in print since at least 1991.
Wikiquote: Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (1858-10-27 – 1919-01-06), also known as T.R. or Teddy, was the 26th President of the United States (1901–1909).
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I have always been fond of the West African proverb “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
. Letter to Henry L. Sprague (26 January 1900); this is the first known use of this phrase, which became a signature motto of Roosevelt’s after he used it in a speech as Vice-President at the Minnesota State Fair:
“There is a homely adage which runs ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.’ If the American nation will speak softly and yet build and keep at a pitch of highest training a thoroughly efficient Navy, the Monroe Doctrine will go far.” (2 September 1901)
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From: ut-emx!sh…@emx.utexas.edu (Shawn Boyd)
Date: 14 Oct 91 13:45:45 GMT
Local: Mon, Oct 14 1991 8:45 am
Subject: Re: More Bowhunting questions
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Thank you too for the reply! Let’s keep talkin’. As always, Toxophily, and carry a bent stick!
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From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Shawn Boyd)
Date: 24 Apr 92 22:45:16 GMT
Local: Fri, Apr 24 1992 5:45 pm
Subject: Re: Construction
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“Toxophily, and carry a bent stick!”
Archery Talk
Favorite archery quote?
samD
November 30th, 2003, 08:18 PM
I like this one:
“stalk softly and carry a bent stick”
sweet old bill
December 27th, 2003, 05:12 AM
walk softly and carry a bent stick
Hunting.Net.com—Archery Forums—Bowhunting
WhackABuck
07-17-2004, 06:30 AM
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“Walk Softly…and Carry a Bent Stick!”
Forums of Ramanon
Kevin Grey
01-03-2009 02:15 PM
Walk softly and carry a bent stick.
This thread is to show that a Bow,while being an incredible gift is also simply a bent stick. The fact that the bend we place in it flings an arrow is where our will comes in.