I am by no means even remotely knowledgeable about all of the vast workings of any large economic system, but I still have my own ideas about them—my own broad ideas.

What did Lily Tomlin once say… “Reality is nothing but a collective hunch”. Well, I feel the very same way about the economy… and strangely, I’m not the first.

After all there is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work.

It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail.

-Franklin D. Roosevelt, March 12, 1933