"All we have to fear is fear itself" When did Douglas learn this lesson?

 Douglas realised the deeper meaning of Roosevelt's message. Once he had a deep-rooted fear of water. But he learnt the basics of the art of swimming. Besides, he went to swim in lakes and seas alone. When he got back his confidence, water became easy to him. By sheer will power, courage and determination he braved all odds. He learnt that there was peace in death but the fear of death was more fearful than death. His real-life experience taught him a lesson not to fear because it dampens our spirit and makes us live a life like death.