The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

62 THE LAUNCHING OF A MAN
Theodore's brother testifies to the fact that Theodore
never permitted himself nor Edith to be imposed upon. He
was ready to champion her cause at all times, and this meant
everything to Edith. Later in life Theodore discovered more
than a friend of his childhood days in the girl companion of
his leisure hours. He had found one who sympathized with
him and his work. Moreover, she had faith in him and
encouraged him. When mature years came, after sorrow
had visited him, he found in her the one to share his home, to
increase his fortune, and to exalt and make sacred his success
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Theodore, after a thorough preparation, entered Harvard
University, determined to take the full college course. Here
he spent four years. He proved at Harvard that he was well
equipped for the work before him. He had taken the great-
est delight in history and civil government as studies. Mathe-
matics was something of a task, but he had made himself
master of his inclinations and desires. This explains why he
could apply himself to mathematics with success. He was
imaginative, and mathematics in any of the branches never
was attractive to an imaginative man. He loved books of
adventure. He was thoroughly familiar with the story of his
own country. He also was well informed regarding modern
Europe. He had been an incessant reader and student of his-
tory. This was easy for him, but he made up his mind to
devote himself to studies less attractive for him. He realized
that this was necessary to give him a well-rounded and per-
fectly-balanced education. The mental training he secured in
following out his determination must be in large part respon-
sible for the close-knit intellectual fiber which his manhood has
revealed. It was the substantial structure upon which his