One of my favorite determination and resilience quotes is by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I’ve always loved the self-reliance, even defiance against a challenging situation the quote embodies. It counsels courage in the face of hardship.
When Roosevelt assumed office on March 4, 1933, the nation and the world were squarely in the suffocating grip of the worst depression in modern times.
There was no TV, no Internet to deliver images and multimedia messages to a downtrodden and discouraged populace. Radio was the high tech of the day and FDR had only his words and his voice to reassure a nation that we would come through the challenges.
There were millions at the end of their economic and psychological ropes during the 30s. Roosevelt frequently took on the role of motivator-in-chief.
Like so many inspiring quotes, this one has has dubious origins. In addition to FDR, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, among others, have been credited with the quote.
While FDR is most often given credit, if he actually said it, he was likely repeating something he’d heard or read elsewhere.
The saying has been cited in print since 1919. The first known credit to FDR for the quote came in 1958. It certainly fits with many of FDR’s other notable motivational quotes.
Regardless of the source of the quote, we can all appreciate power it has to inspire us in moments of difficulty.
Just in case no one else has reminded you today, you are awesome!
Ray
The Affirmation Spot Blog 