What cannot be avoided, ’twere childish weakness to lament or fear.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I’ve met.
—Dwight L. Moody (1837–99) Christian Religious Leader, Publisher
I was always complaining about the ruts in the road until I realized that the ruts are the road.
—Unknown
Unless I accept my faults, I will most certainly doubt my virtues.
—Hugh Prather (b.1938) American Christian Author, Minister, Counselor
Nature magically suits a man to his fortunes, by making them the fruit of his character.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.
—Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) Dutch Painter
What thou art, that thou art.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
Real life is, to most men … a perpetual compromise between the ideal and the possible.
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
It isn’t important to come out on top, what matters is to be the one who comes out alive.
—Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) German Poet, Playwright, Theater Personality
History will never accept difficulties as an excuse.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
—Brendan Behan (1923–64) Irish Poet, Novelist, Playwright
It’s okay if you mess up. You should give yourself a break.
—Billy Joel (b.1949) American Singer, Songwriter, Musician
Those people who are uncomfortable in themselves are disagreeable to others.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Happy the man who early learns the wide chasm that lies between his wishes and his powers.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Always fall in with what you’re asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever’s going. Not against: with.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963) American Poet
I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
—Edward Everett Hale (1822–1909) American Unitarian Clergyman, Writer
People remain what they are, even when their faces fall to pieces.
—Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) German Poet, Playwright, Theater Personality
To do all that one is able to do is to be a man; to do all that one would like to do is to be a god.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
To expect life to be tailored to our specifications it to invite frustration.
—Unknown
Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand.
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.
—H. G. Wells (1866–1946) English Novelist, Historian, Social Thinker
Whatever task you undertake, do it with all your heart and soul. Always be courteous, never be discouraged. Beware of him who promises something for nothing. Do not blame anybody for your mistakes and failures. Do not look for approval except the consciousness of doing your best.
—Bernard M. Baruch (1870–1965) American Financier, Economic Consultant
If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
I am what I am, so take me as I am.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
There is no such thing as pure pleasure; some anxiety always goes with it.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
When necessity speaks, it demands.
—Russian Proverb
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
I’m not OK, you’re not OK—and that’s OK.
—William Sloane Coffin (1924–2006) American Presbyterian Clergyman, Peace Activist
It is a common observation that those who dwell continually upon their expectations are apt to become oblivious to the requirements of their actual situation.
—Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914) American Philosopher, Logician, Mathematician