FDR's Inauguration Speech Quotes
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Source: FDR's Inauguration Speech
Speaker: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Context
Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke this famous phrase during his inauguration speech (the first of four) on March 4, 1933.
On National Grammar Day, 32nd President Frankin Delano Roosevelt implored the country to march forth in the face of the Great Depression, urging us not to be a nation gripped by fear.
Easier said than done, dude.
Where you've heard it
Everywhere.
Seriously...everywhere.
This line has transcended politics and entered the realm of motivational speaking—and just speaking in general.
Additional Notable References
- We’re afraid of the TV series Fear Itself.
- It's paraphrased in To Kill a Mockingbird.
- J.K. Rowling ponders fear in Harry Potter.
- The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…and spiders…and snakes…and werewolves.
- The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…and spiders on your t-shirt.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Too famous to be pretentious.