Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.

This quote is sometimes attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt, but more commonly it is attributed to American social worker and activist Emily P. Bissell, including in the book Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul: Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Women (1996). The quote means that only people with a strong intellect will appreciate great ideas; however, everyone responds to great deeds.