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.
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Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.
Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.
In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to read more
In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to ease us,
Points out some circumstance to please us.
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.
Adversity makes a man wise, not rich ...
Adversity makes a man wise, not rich ...
Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.
Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.
No man is more unhappy than the one who is never in adversity; the greatest affliction of life is never read more
No man is more unhappy than the one who is never in adversity; the greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.
Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.
Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.
. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.
diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.
