“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt defines personal growth as the product of facing fear head-on, rather than avoiding it. She stresses that true strength and confidence are earned through direct, honest encounters with difficulty. By “look[ing] fear in the face,” we not only endure challenges but emerge transformed—each confrontation builds resilience, allowing us to face future obstacles with greater assurance.
Roosevelt knew hardship intimately—losing her parents at a young age, confronting public criticism, and navigating political turbulence. Yet through each trial, she developed a deep well of inner strength. Her words reflect a belief that survival itself becomes a source of empowerment: being able to say “I lived through this horror” is both a declaration of endurance and a foundation for future courage.
In modern life, where uncertainty and fear often feel overwhelming, this quote remains a powerful affirmation. Whether one is dealing with illness, loss, failure, or social anxiety, Roosevelt reminds us that every moment of survival is a quiet victory, and that each one arms us with the fortitude to keep going. Facing fear is not just brave—it is how we grow into who we are meant to be.
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