Opportunities fly by while we sit regretting the chances we have lost, and the happiness that comes to us we heed not, because of the happiness that is gone.
—Jerome K. Jerome (1859–1927) English Humorous Writer, Novelist, Playwright
The proper means of increasing the love we bear to our native country is to reside some time in a foreign one.
—William Shenstone (1714–63) British Poet, Landscape Gardener
I thought I had reached a point in life where everything would be smooth. But it is not. It just gets more jagged and pitted and filled with turns that take you into the dark recesses of your mind. It never seems to get easy.
—Sylvester Stallone (b.1946) American Actor, Screenwriter, Director
Every stage of life has its troubles, and no man is content with his own age.
—Ausonius (c.309–392 CE) Latin Poet, Rhetorician
He who leaves his house in search of happiness pursues a shadow.
—Unknown
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
—Milton Berle (1908–2002) American Comedian, Actor
Ability is of little account without opportunity.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
The problem with beauty is that it’s like being born rich and getting poorer.
—Joan Collins (b.1933) English Actress
I don’t like my voice. I don’t like the way I look. I don’t like the way I move. I don’t like the way I act. I mean, period. So you know, I don’t like myself.
—Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011) British-born American Actress
Problems are only opportunities with thorns on them.
—Hugh Miller (1802–56) Scottish Geologist, Writer
I look forward to being older, when what you look like becomes less and less an issue and what you are is the point.
—Susan Sarandon (b.1946) American Actress, Activist
Pray the Gods do not envy your happiness.
—Euripides (480–406 BCE) Ancient Greek Dramatist
Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the one you miss.
—Unknown
Oh God, don’t envy me, I have my own pains.
—Barbra Streisand (b.1942) American Musician, Actor, Songwriter
Happiness to a dog is what lies on the other side of the door.
—Charlton Ogburn (1911–98) American Memoirist, Historian
Plain women know more about men than beautiful ones do.
—Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003) American Actor, TV Personality
None think the great unhappy but the great.
—Edward Young (1683–1765) English Poet
My crown is in my heart, not on my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen: My crown is called content: A crown it is, that seldom kings enjoy.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Money is another pressure. I’m not complaining, I’m just Saying that there’s a certain luxury in having no money. I spent 10 years in New York not having it, not worrying about it. Suddenly you have it, then you worry, where is it going? Am I doing the right thing with it?
—Dustin Hoffman (b.1937) American Actor, Filmmaker
Many an opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four-leaf clovers.
—Unknown
We love in others what we lack ourselves, and would be everything but what we are.
—Richard Henry Stoddard (1825–1903) American Critic, Poet
Everyone has a fair turn to be as great as he pleases.
—Jeremy Collier (1650–1726) Anglican Church Historian, Clergyman
Man’s heart is never satisfied; the snake would swallow the elephant.
—Chinese Proverb
The greatest secret of success in life is for a person to be ready when their opportunity comes.
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–81) British Head of State
Misfortunes come to all men.
—Chinese Proverb
There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities; an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.
—Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) American Head of State
No one is content with his own lot.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
Opportunity has hair in front; behind she is bald; if you seize her by the fore lock, you may hold her, but, if suffered to escape, not Jupiter himself can catch her again.
—Latin Proverb
When a man’s busy, leisure strikes him as a wonderful pleasure; and at leisure once is he? Straightway he wants to be busy.
—Robert Browning (1812–89) English Poet
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