Short Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Read his short bio below.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt Quotes and Bio

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945—the only president elected to four terms. A distant cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, FDR graduated from Harvard and Columbia Law School, entered politics as a New York state senator in 1910, and later served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Woodrow Wilson during World War I–a position FDR enjoyed greatly due to his fascination with ships and naval history.

FDR’s interest stemmed from his family heritage: His mother’s Delano side were seafaring merchants involved in clipper ships, privateers, whaling, and global trade, while the Roosevelts were investors and shipbuilders. As a boy, he immersed himself in nautical tales and whaling stories, and at age 15, he read Alfred Thayer Mahan’s The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, sparking a “lifetime love affair” with the Navy. He studied naval vessels and warfare passionately, preparing for a potential naval career under his mother’s influence. This early passion led him to collect naval artifacts, including manuscripts, prints, stamps, books, and models, partly to preserve history and satisfy his “insatiable appetite” for collecting.

In 1921, at age 39, he contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, but he adapted with braces and canes, projecting strength and optimism. As Governor of New York from 1929 to 1932, he implemented relief programs amid the Great Depression, setting the stage for his national agenda.

A hallmark of FDR’s leadership was his “fireside chats,” a series of 30 evening radio addresses from 1933 to 1944, where he spoke directly to millions in a conversational tone about banking crises, New Deal initiatives, economic recovery, and wartime efforts. The term was coined by a CBS executive for the second chat, evoking an intimate, reassuring fireside conversation. These broadcasts quelled rumors, built public confidence during despair, countered critics, and explained policies plainly—revolutionizing presidential communication and maintaining high approval ratings.

10 of FDR’s Most Famous Quotes

FDR’s words often captured the spirit of resilience, hope, and action during the Great Depression and World War II. Here are 10 of his most iconic quotes, drawn from speeches and writings:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” (From his first inaugural address in 1933, addressing the economic crisis.)
“A date which will live in infamy.” (Referring to the Pearl Harbor attack in his 1941 speech to Congress, requesting a declaration of war.)
“I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a New Deal for the American people.” (From his 1932 Democratic nomination acceptance speech, launching his signature policy agenda.)
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” (From his second inaugural address in 1937.)
“We must be the great arsenal of democracy.” (From a 1940 fireside chat, urging support for allies before U.S. entry into WWII.)
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” (A motivational quip often attributed to FDR, emphasizing perseverance.)
“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” (Highlighting America’s diverse roots.)
“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” (On compassion in society.)
“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.” (Encouraging personal agency.)
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” (From a draft speech prepared shortly before his death in 1945.)