# The Peace of Righteousness explained — An Autobiography > Chapter companion for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt. ## What happens Roosevelt reflects on the Portsmouth Peace Conference and his philosophy that peace must serve righteousness, not be an end in itself. He defends his actions against critics, discusses the voyage of the battle fleet around the world as a key peace and naval achievement, and emphasizes the importance of strength and preparedness in international relations. ## Themes in this chapter ### Nationalism and American Identity Roosevelt emphasizes American naval strength and the positive impression of the Panama Canal and fleet cruise on foreign nations. ### Courage and Vigor Roosevelt's decision to send the fleet around the world despite foreign skepticism and his insistence on preparedness reflect courage and vigor. ### Balance of Idealism and Practicality Roosevelt argues that peace must be subordinated to righteousness, rejecting naive pacifism while pursuing diplomatic achievements. ## Character check-ins ### Theodore Roosevelt Author and central figure; reflects on peace efforts, disarmament, and the world cruise of the battle fleet. ### William Loeb Jr. Quoted as remarking that Roosevelt would soon have to 'spank some little international brigand.' ### Admiral Dewey Mentioned in the context of naval command; not directly present in the chapter. ### General Shafter Mentioned in passing; not directly present in the chapter. ### William McKinley Referenced indirectly through the Spanish-American War context. ### Carl Schurz Political opponent who wrote to Roosevelt congratulating him on Portsmouth and suggesting disarmament; Roosevelt replied with a detailed letter. ## Key lines > Don't you be misled by the fact that just at the moment men are speaking well of me. They will speak ill soon enough. As Loeb remarked to me today, some time soon I shall have to spank some little international brigand, and then all the well-meaning idiots will turn and shriek that this is inconsistent with what I did at the Peace Conference, whereas in reality it will be exactly in line with it. Roosevelt warns a friend not to be fooled by temporary praise, predicting he will soon need to act forcefully against an aggressor, and that critics will falsely claim inconsistency with his peace efforts. _Roosevelt's pragmatic view of peace and force._ > Until people get it firmly fixed in their minds that peace is valuable chiefly as a means to righteousness, and that it can only be considered as an end when it also coincides with righteousness, we can do only a limited amount to advance its coming on this earth. Roosevelt argues that peace is only worthwhile when it serves justice, and that without this understanding, progress toward peace is limited. _Core philosophy of 'Peace of Righteousness.'_ > A council of war never fights, and in a crisis the duty of a leader is to lead and not to take refuge behind the generally timid wisdom of a multitude of councillors. Roosevelt asserts that decisive leadership, not committee deliberation, is essential in critical moments. _Roosevelt's leadership style and decision to send the fleet without Cabinet consultation._ > No single thing in the history of the new United States Navy has done as much to stimulate popular interest and belief in it as the world cruise. Roosevelt claims the global voyage of the battle fleet was the most effective event in building public support for the Navy. _Impact of the Great White Fleet on American public opinion._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xv-the-peace-of-righteousness - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters