Outside the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building in Washington, D.C., a large banner displays a quote alongside a portrait of Theodore Roosevelt. The banner reads, “Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” It attributes these words to Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States.

This quote aims to inspire by framing courage as the ability to continue despite lacking strength. However, historians point out a notable issue: there is no verified source confirming that Theodore Roosevelt ever said or wrote this phrase.

The Office of Personnel Management has featured the quote prominently on its facade, creating a widespread impression of its authenticity. Yet, according to scholars, there is no historical evidence linking Roosevelt to these specific words. This discrepancy raises questions about the attribution of quotes and the importance of verifying historical accuracy.