All things are difficult before they are easy.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Sadness flies away on the wings of time.
—Jean de La Fontaine (1621–95) French Poet, Short Story Writer
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
In contemplation, if a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. They are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can see nothing but sea.
—Francis Bacon (1561–1626) English Philosopher
Everyone gets their rough day. No one gets a free ride. Today so far, I had a good day. I got a dial tone.
—Rodney Dangerfield (1921–2004) American Comedian, TV Personality, Actor
The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
Our difficulties of the moment must always be dealt with somehow, but our permanent difficulties are difficulties of every moment.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
The greater the obstacle, the more glory we have in overcoming it; the difficulties with which we are met are the maids of honor which set off virtue.
—Moliere (1622–73) French Playwright
I can resist everything except temptation.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Who bides his time—he tastes the sweet
Of honey in the saltiest tear;
And though he fares with slowest feet.
Joy runs to meet him drawing near.
—James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Writer
When something does not insist on being noticed, when we aren’t grabbed by the collar or struck on the skull by a presence or an event, we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
—Cynthia Ozick (b.1928) American Novelist, Short-story Writer, Essayist
The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats. Yet each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills and strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better … or quit. Each rebuff is an opportunity to move forward; turn away from them, avoid them, and you throw away your future.
—Og Mandino (1923–96) American Self-Help Author
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
To fight fear, act. To increase fear—wait, put off, postpone.
—David J. Schwartz (1927–87) American Self-help Author
All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.
—Albert Camus (1913–60) Algerian-born French Philosopher, Dramatist, Essayist, Novelist, Author
Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible for anyone to accomplish.
—Marcus Aurelius (121–180) Emperor of Rome, Stoic Philosopher
Human misery must somewhere have a stop; there is no wind that always blows a storm.
—Euripides (480–406 BCE) Ancient Greek Dramatist
People are never more insecure than when they become obsessed with their fears at the expense of their dreams.
—Norman Cousins (1912–1990) American Political Journalist
In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us.
—Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw) (1818–85) American Humorist, Author, Lecturer
Men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues, and can moderate their desires more than their words.
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
The mere fact that you have obstacles to overcome is in your favor…
—Robert Collier (1885–1950) American Self-Help Author
There’s always free cheese in the mouse traps, but the mice there ain’t happy.
—Unknown
Difficult times always create opportunities for you to experience more love in your life.
—Barbara De Angelis (b.1951) American Self-Help Author
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
If matters go badly now, they will not always be so.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
To whom can riches give repute, or trust, content, or pleasure, but the good and the just?
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author