The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

I know of no man of genius who had not to pay, in some affliction or defect either physical or read more

I know of no man of genius who had not to pay, in some affliction or defect either physical or spiritual, for what the gods had given him.

The afflictions to which we are accustomed, do not disturb us.

The afflictions to which we are accustomed, do not disturb us.

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.

By afflictions God is spoiling us of what otherwise might have spoiled us. When he makes the world too hot read more

By afflictions God is spoiling us of what otherwise might have spoiled us. When he makes the world too hot for us to hold, we let it go.

Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
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Thou art a soul in bliss; but I am bound
Upon a wheel of fire, that mine own tears
Do scald me like molten lead.

Affliction is enamoured of thy parts,
And thou art wedded to calamity.

Affliction is enamoured of thy parts,
And thou art wedded to calamity.

Afflictions sent by providence melt the constancy of the noble minded, but confirm the obduracy of the vile, as the read more

Afflictions sent by providence melt the constancy of the noble minded, but confirm the obduracy of the vile, as the same furnace that liquefies the gold, hardens the clay

No one could be more happy than a man who has never known affliction

No one could be more happy than a man who has never known affliction