Who said “Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do…”?

Verified

Theodore Roosevelt. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceSpeech at Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island (23 August 1902), Presidential Addresses and State Papers (1910), p. 103.

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“Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do ourselves when we let the vices of envy and hatred enter deep into our own natures.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
VerifiedSpeech at Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island (23 August 1902), Presidential Addresses and State Papers (1910), p. 103. · evidenceWealth

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Speech at Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island (23 August 1902), Presidential Addresses and State Papers (1910), p. 103..

APA

Roosevelt, T. (n.d.). Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do ourselves when we let the vices of envy and hatred enter deep into our own natures. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38451-probably-the-greatest-harm-done-by-vast-wealth/

MLA

Roosevelt, Theodore. “Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do ourselves when we let the vices of envy and hatred enter deep into our own natures.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38451-probably-the-greatest-harm-done-by-vast-wealth/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Roosevelt, Theodore. “Probably the greatest harm done by vast wealth is the harm that we of moderate means do ourselves when we let the vices of envy and hatred enter deep into our own natures.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38451-probably-the-greatest-harm-done-by-vast-wealth/.

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