Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would read more

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own.

Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious read more

Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity,
For wise men say it is the wisest course.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity,
For wise men say it is the wisest course.

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.

By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity--another man's I mean.

By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity--another man's I mean.

If you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually renewing itself, you can't help but learn.

If you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually renewing itself, you can't help but learn.

Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.

Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.

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.