This statement was originally made by Francis Bacon, three centuries before Roosevelt during WW II, was inspirational and helped support morale at a time when the Third Reich seemed to be unstoppable. So aside from whatever insight it may convey, it is historically significant. In a literal sense, it is not true that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. There are lots of things that we can reasonably fear. However, if we choose not to fear them, we can then be more courageous. That seems to be the point.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delanor Roosevelt. First Inaugural address.
To quote one of the world's greatest leaders, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself".
This quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt means that fear can be a powerful obstacle, and often it is the fear itself that causes the biggest challenges rather than the actual thing we are fearful of. Roosevelt was encouraging people to overcome their fears and not let them hold them back.
They do not have any fear in everything and therefore they have nothing to fear but fear itself.
As a lifelong anxiety sufferer I certainly do believe in this quote. It is the truth - fear can ruin your life. "Fear is a noose that binds until it strangles." Jean Toomer
When we allow ourselves to be consumed with fear we lose sight of the good things in life, the things that are worth living for. So basically, the main fear to have is letting those things we fear take control of our thoughts and actions.
I am sure there is a lot of quotes of the day relating to fear. One good quote of the day that fits your question is ""The only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance"" -- Frankin Delano Roosevelt
We have nothing to fear
He said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
"The only thing to fear is fear itself" Franklin D. Roosvelt