7 Lessons From Franklin Roosevelt’s Speech The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself

Introduction: 7 Lessons From Franklin Roosevelt's Speech

Many of you have heard the quote, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” by Franklin Roosevelt, which is a variation of “The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself,” the title of a speech he gave at his inaugural address, March 4, 1933. “The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself” is among the speeches included in Speeches That Changed the World.

The speech is hopeful, Roosevelt’s passion comes through, he is open and honest and names the problem, and he rallies the nation and asks for their support. You can read and or listen to Franklin Roosevelt’s “The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself” speech.

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Here are my seven lessons learned from the speech, what are yours?

7 Lessons from The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself

1. Revive and prosper: You will always face adversity in life, get up, dust yourself off and move forward.
2. Lead with frankness: Look at your situation objectively and lead with frankness, even if you are only leading yourself.
3. Failure is a part of life: The only people who never fail are the ones who never try. Fail quickly and fail forward to success.
4. Create jobs – even if it’s only for yourself. If you are an employee, think of your career as your own small business where you provide a service that’s in demand. Make yourself indispensable, put yourself to work.
5. Have a definite purpose – have a plan and purpose for doing what you’re doing. The “how” is important, but the “why” is what keeps you going.
6. Have courage and unite – it may be scary, and you may not know exactly how to proceed, but take the first step, with your family, friends, or even colleagues. Rally the troops!
7. Take decisive action – always take action, doing nothing isn’t a sound plan.

Final Thoughts: 7 Lessons From Franklin Roosevelt's Speech

Why is this speech one that changed the world? It’s timeless and it’s still as relevant today as it was in March 4, 1933. The 7 Lessons Series presented weekly, is a way for you learn about ideas, concepts, models, speeches and extract the nuggets of brilliance and wisdom they offer, while building your body of knowledge. It’s impossible to succeed in a spectacular way without a lot of knowledge.

The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself

Books By/About Franklin Roosevelt

FDR

Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Political Life

Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

His Final Battle: The Last Months of Franklin Roosevelt