Franklin D. Roosevelt famously stated, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" during his inaugural address on March 4, 1933. This quote was intended to reassure the American public facing the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and uncertainty. Roosevelt emphasized the importance of confronting challenges without succumbing to fear, which he believed could paralyze progress and action. His rhetoric successfully inspired confidence and urged citizens to work cooperatively to rebuild the nation’s economy. This phrase has since become a part of American political and cultural discourse, representing resilience and courage in the face of adversity.