This is a quote said by Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is a statement that ties into his belief that individuals can summon up the individual courage needed to face incredibly challenging odds. Given the situation, in which FDR was governing with intense economic crisis situations domestically and the looming threat of European fascism abroad, it might appear that individuals might have lacked any control or any freedom of will in such situations. Statements like these were part of the leadership quality that FDR possessed.
Hope this helps!