The best way out of a difficulty is through it.
—Will Rogers (1879–1935) American Actor, Rancher, Humorist
A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man; it is what he wants and must have to be good for anything. Hardship and opposition are the native soil of manhood and self-reliance.
—John Neal (1793–1876) American Editor, Poet, Novelist, Critic
Adversity is the touchstone of virtue.
—Unknown
The same reason makes a man a religious enthusiast that makes a man an enthusiast in any other way: an uncomfortable mind in an uncomfortable body.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Difficulties should act as a tonic. They should spur us to greater exertion.
—B. C. Forbes (1880–1954) Scottish-born American Journalist, Publisher
As favor and riches forsake a man, we discover in him the foolishness they concealed, and which no one perceived before.
—Jean de La Bruyere (1645–96) French Satiric Moralist, Author
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American Nationalist, Author, Pamphleteer, Inventor
To really enjoy the better things in life, one must first have experienced the things they are better than.
—Oskar Homolka (1898–1978) Austrian Actor
Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed.
—Corita Kent (1918–86) American Nun, Artist, Educator
The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
I have always been pushed by the negative. The apparent failure of a play sends me back to my typewriter that very night, before the reviews are out. I am more compelled to get back to work than if I had a success.
—Tennessee Williams (1911–83) American Playwright
The individual who knows the score about life sees difficulties as opportunities.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
Noble discontent is the path to heaven.
—Thomas Wentworth Higginson (1823–1911) American Social Reformer, Clergyman
All sorts of spiritual gifts come through privations, if they are accepted.
—Janet Erskine Stuart (1857–1914) English Catholic Nun, Educationalist
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
In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
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
It is grief that develops the powers of the mind.
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922) French Novelist
Difficult times always create opportunities for you to experience more love in your life.
—Barbara De Angelis (b.1951) American Self-Help Author
Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on.
—Frederic Chopin (1810–49) Polish-French Composer, Pianist
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
The fiery trials through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the last generation.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
When difficulties are overcome they begin blessing.
—Common Proverb
Prosperity is too apt to prevent us from examining our conduct, but adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is most beneficial to us.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.
—Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–68) American Civil Rights Leader, Clergyman
He disposes Doom who hath suffered him.
—Emily Dickinson (1830–86) American Poet
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
The eternal stars shine out as soon as it is dark enough.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties or you alter yourself meeting them.
—Phyllis Bottome (1884–1963) British Novelist, Short Story Writer, Psychoanalyst
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