He disposes Doom who hath suffered him.
—Emily Dickinson (1830–86) American Poet
Times of general calamity and collusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the lightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
Pain, indolence, sterility, endless ennui have also their lesson for you.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
All sorts of spiritual gifts come through privations, if they are accepted.
—Janet Erskine Stuart (1857–1914) English Catholic Nun, Educationalist
In adversity, remember to keep an even mind.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
I sometimes react to making a mistake as if I have betrayed myself. My fear of making a mistake seems to be based on the hidden assumption that I am potentially perfect and that if I can just be very careful I will not fall from heaven. But a ‘mistake’ is a declaration of the way I am, a jolt to the way I intend, a reminder I am not dealing with the facts. When I have listened to my mistakes I have grown.
—Hugh Prather (b.1938) American Christian Author, Minister, Counselor
I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
The difficulties which I meet with in order to realize my existence are precisely what awaken and mobilize my activities, my capacities.
—Jose Ortega y. Gasset (1883–1955) Spanish Critic, Journalist, Philosopher
The same wind that extinguishes a light can set a brazier on fire.
—Pierre Beaumarchais (1732–99) French Inventor, Diplomat, Musician, Fugitive, Revolutionary
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but trouble. Good news weakens me.
—Charles F. Kettering (1876–1958) American Inventor, Entrepreneur, Businessperson
Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up against the wind.
—Frank Harris (1856–1931) Irish-born American Writer, Journalist
They merit more praise who know how to suffer misery than those who temper themselves with contentment.
—Pietro Aretino (1492–1556) Italian Poet, Dramatist, Satirist
There are three modes of bearing the ills of life: by indifference, which is the most common; by philosophy, which is the most ostentatious; and by religion, which is the most effectual.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
Even if misfortune is only good for bringing a fool to his senses, it would still be just to deem it good for something.
—Jean de La Fontaine (1621–95) French Poet, Short Story Writer
From a fallen tree, make kindling.
—Spanish Proverb
No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.
—William Penn (1644–1718) American Entrepreneur, Political leader, Philosopher
If things are natural, they’re easy. If they’re unnatural they’re difficult. I have never met a man who found it difficult to marry, but I have never found a man who found it easy to divorce either.
—Unknown
If your house is on fire, warm yourself by it.
—Spanish Proverb
Storms make the oak grow deeper roots.
—George Herbert (1593–1633) Welsh Anglican Poet, Orator, Clergyman
It is not the burden but the overburden that kills the beast.
—Spanish Proverb
Evil being the root of mystery, pain is the root of knowledge.
—Simone Weil (1909–1943) French Philosopher, Political Activist
Do not free a camel of the burden of his hump; you may be freeing him from being a camel.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
I don’t like people who have never fallen or stumbled. Their virtue is lifeless and it isn’t of much value. Life hasn’t revealed its beauty to them.
—Boris Pasternak (1890–1960) Russian Lyric Poet, Novelist, Translator
Difficulties should act as a tonic. They should spur us to greater exertion.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
Mistakes are often the best teachers.
—James Anthony Froude (1818–94) British Historian, Novelist, Biographer, Editor
Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves, as he loves us better too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This conflict with difficulty makes us acquainted with our object, and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
If there were no tribulation, there would be no rest; if there were no winter, there would be no summer.
—John Chrysostom (c.347–407 CE) Archbishop of Constantinople
It is often better to have a great deal of harm happen to one than a little; a great deal may rouse you to remove what a little will only accustom you to endure.
—George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick (1746–1816) British Nobleman, Politician
The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word “crisis”. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger — but recognize the opportunity.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
Leave a Reply