I am not particularly interested in history and I don’t read many books on the history of much of anything but the history of digital technology. I am a fan of Jon Meachum and I follow what he has to say.
Meachum has generated a 5 part podcast series called Hope, through history. It is offered to bolster Americans in this time of threat. It is well worth your time as Meachum is a great storyteller and the content is embellished with sound from the people and events described.
Episode one tells the story of Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression. Roosevelt grew up wealthy. Meachum suggests his ability to convey compassion and his tenacity were a function of his struggle with polio and continued efforts to find a way to walk. Roosevelt was a strong leader and unlike his predecessor (Hoover), he was able to instill hope in people through his capacity for empathy.