At the age of 39, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was struck by polio, a disease that would confine him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Yet, in the face of this cruel affliction, Roosevelt did not surrender. Instead, he embraced the challenge with unwavering courage, climbing the political ladder step by step to reach the pinnacle of leadership. History has shown that true heroes often endure great trials.
Early experiences at home and in Europe
After graduating from Harvard University, Roosevelt formally began his political career. He won a seat in the New York State Senate in 1909 and later played a crucial role in securing Woodrow Wilson’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate in 1912. Upon Wilson’s election, Roosevelt was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
During World War I, he traveled to Europe in 1918, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of war. These experiences shaped his profound concern for the suffering of ordinary people. In 1920, he was nominated as the Democratic candidate for Vice President, but was defeated by the Republican ticket led by Calvin Coolidge. He returned to private life, practicing law in New York, and prepared for a political comeback.
Polio brought an excruciating test
However, fate dealt him a cruel blow. In August 1921, after swimming in the cold waters of Campobello Island, he contracted poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio. This disease brought an excruciating test, one that was not just physical, but deeply spiritual. Initially, Roosevelt hoped for recovery, but his condition worsened. His legs became completely paralyzed, his neck stiffened, and even his bladder temporarily lost function. The physical agony was unbearable, but the emotional torment was even more significant. Once a vibrant, promising young man, he suddenly found himself bedridden, reliant on others for even the simplest tasks. In his darkest moments, he feared that God had abandoned him.
Yet Roosevelt was no ordinary man. Despite immense suffering, he maintained his characteristic humor, joking with his wife, Eleanor, to keep her spirits up. He refused to burden his loved ones with his sorrow, forbidding anyone from informing his mother of his illness to spare her anxiety. When the doctors confirmed his polio diagnosis, Eleanor nearly fainted, but Roosevelt responded with nothing more than a wry smile.
“I refuse to believe that a mere child’s disease can defeat a grown man. I will overcome this.”
He knew these were bold words, but speaking them aloud helped him retain his courage. To avoid feeling desperate, he immersed himself in deep contemplation — analyzing past successes and mistakes, recalling encounters with politicians, and reflecting on the struggles of war-torn Europe and the hardships of the impoverished. He read extensively, studying American history, politics, and biographies of great leaders. He also researched medical literature, discussing polio treatments in detail with doctors until he became an authority on the subject himself.
Facing hardship head-on
Suffering has the power to shape or break a person. The key lies in how one faces hardship. Roosevelt chose optimism and resilience. Though his body was weak, his spirit remained indomitable. He believed that once his illness passed, he would return to the political stage more vigorous than ever.
When his mother rushed to his bedside, he greeted and reassured her with a smile: “Mother, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I wish I could have met you at the dock myself.”
Determined to regain mobility, he endured painful physical therapy. His legs were encased in plaster to keep them straight, and he went through excruciating exercises to stretch his muscles. Despite the agony, he never wavered. Slowly, his upper body regained strength, and he learned to sit up. He practiced walking using a system of parallel bars in his yard, setting small goals like reaching the post office, a quarter of a mile away. Each day, he pushed himself to walk just a little farther.
In 1922, doctors fitted him with steel and leather leg supports, enabling him to stand and walk short distances with crutches. Though the braces were heavy, Roosevelt embraced them as tools of triumph. He fell countless times, but his unwavering perseverance propelled him forward.
By the fall of 1922, Roosevelt resumed work at a trust and savings company, gradually increasing his workload until he returned to a full schedule. His return to public life rekindled his reputation, and his name once again resonated in political circles. His resilience in the face of illness did not just inspire admiration; it commanded profound respect.
At the 1924 and 1928 Democratic National Conventions, Roosevelt delivered speeches in support of Al Smith’s presidential campaigns. With the aid of his son, he made his way to the podium on crutches, receiving thunderous applause. As he called for unity, the entire audience rose to their feet. He invoked the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” His words deeply moved his listeners, cementing his return to politics.
Governor of New York and later President
Though Smith lost the election, Roosevelt won the governorship of New York. Then, in 1932, he achieved the ultimate victory, winning the presidency of the United States. He would serve four consecutive terms, from 1933 to 1945, becoming the only U.S. president to hold office for more than two terms. His triumph was not merely political; it was the success of an unbreakable will.
Suffering is a test, a crucible of transformation. It made Roosevelt stronger — both in body and spirit — refining his character into a truly extraordinary leader. His close friend Frances Perkins observed this transformation: “During those years of illness, Roosevelt underwent a profound spiritual change. When he returned, the suffering had stripped away his former pride. He became more deeply compassionate, humble, and thoughtful than ever. Having endured immense hardship, he grew more empathetic toward others in pain… He believed that God had saved him from complete paralysis, hopelessness, and death.”
In 2007, Roosevelt’s biographer, Jean Edward Smith, aptly summarized his legacy: “He lifted himself from his wheelchair and, in doing so, liberated an entire nation from its despair.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the human spirit. His journey teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we can rise, overcome, and inspire others to do the same.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Laura
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