The famous line “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” was delivered by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933. It has since becomeinescapable shorthand for his message that courage and decisive action were needed to confront the Great Depression, rather than succumbing to panic.
Context and nuances
- Roosevelt spoke during a period of severe economic crisis in the United States, aiming to rally the nation to take bold steps to recover from the Depression.
- The exact wording of the line has been the subject of some debate regarding its provenance and phrasing, with discussions about who contributed it and whether earlier sources influenced it. The prevailing narrative attributes the line to Roosevelt’s speech, with some accounts naming his advisor Louis Howe as a key source or influencer, while others point to possible influences from Thoreau or earlier motto-like phrases. The consensus remains that the line appears in the inaugural address and has become iconic as a call to confront fear with collective action.
- The phrase is often cited in discussions of leadership during crises and is frequently quoted in American political history as a succinct summary of Roosevelt’s approach to the New Deal era.
Direct answer
- Who said it: Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933.
