The oft quoted and very famous inaugural address by Franklin D. Roosevelt has become one of the most famous quotations in the history of the world. His words went deep into the hearts of Americans during the depths of our worst depression, when hope was at an all time low and the outlook looked bleak. It seemed as though America had reached its darkest hour and many Americans were ready to give up. These words were inspirational and of true character.
If you are anything like me, you have heard this phrase often, yet probably never taken the time to truly analyze the meaning and the power behind these words. Let’s consider what exactly fear is.
As defined by the dictionary:
“a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.”
By definition fear is an emotion inside us that becomes awakened due to a particular circumstance or situation. It further explains that at times this emotion can be aroused because of real anxiety and impending danger, or because we imagine it.
