The phrase "the only thing to fear is fear itself" was famously said by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his inaugural address in 1933. He stated, "the only thing we have to fear is … fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." This statement was meant to inspire courage and confidence during the Great Depression.
However, the sentiment predates Roosevelt and can be traced back much further. The idea appeared in different forms as early as the 16th century with Michel de Montaigne writing about fear. In the 17th century, Francis Bacon wrote "Nothing is terrible except fear itself." In the 19th century, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Nothing is so much to be feared as fear." Additionally, the precise phrase "The only thing to fear is fear" appears in early 20th-century New Thought writings.
In summary, Franklin D. Roosevelt popularized the phrase in modern times, but the idea has deep historical roots.
