Calamity is man's true touch-stone.
- Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher,

Calamity is man's true touch-stone.
- Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher,

Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience.

Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience.

There in no one more unfortunate than the man who has never been
unfortunate. for it has never been read more

There in no one more unfortunate than the man who has never been
unfortunate. for it has never been in his power to try himself.
[Lat., Nihil infelicius eo, cui nihil unquam evenit adversi, non
licuit enim illi se experiri.]

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above read more

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.
[Lat., Calamitas virtutis occasio est.]

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.
[Lat., Calamitas virtutis occasio est.]

There is nothing so wretched or foolish as to anticipate
misfortunes. What madness it is in your expecting evil read more

There is nothing so wretched or foolish as to anticipate
misfortunes. What madness it is in your expecting evil before it
arrives!
[Lat., Nil est nec miserius nec stultius quam praetimere. Quae
ista dementia est, malum suum antecedere!]

As if Misfortune made the Throne her Seat,
And none could be unhappy but the Great.

As if Misfortune made the Throne her Seat,
And none could be unhappy but the Great.

The worst is not
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.'

The worst is not
So long as we can say 'This is the worst.'

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men read more

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.