Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is read more

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can
stand prosperity, there are a hundred read more

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can
stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.

Sometimes adversity impels a person to greater heights, and sometimes it provides the opportunity for that person to be a read more

Sometimes adversity impels a person to greater heights, and sometimes it provides the opportunity for that person to be a blessing in the lives of others.

In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.

In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are read more

And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are apt to blame the Fates, forsooth,
And wonder Providence is not more sage.
Adversity is the first path to truth:
He who hath proved war, storm, or woman's rage,
Whether his winters be eighteen or eighty,
Has won experience which is deem'd so weighty.

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him;
For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
And found read more

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him;
For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
And found the blessedness of being little.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.