Franklin D Roosevelt launched his presidency (the first term) with a spare 20-minute, 1,883-word address. The most famous bit was a riff on Henry David Thoreau’s observation . . .
“Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.”
Roosevelt was elected in the teeth of what is now called “The Great Depression.” His opening stanza went like this . . .
This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.
(Emphasis added)
It takes but a few minutes to read the entire address. You can find it here. Some of it is specific to the challenges of the moment; much of it would cause heads to nod in agreement today.
The future is not written. It’s only a rumor. You can rise to it or shrink from it. It’s your choice.