If living conditions don't stop improving in this country, we're going to run out of humble beginnings for our great read more

If living conditions don't stop improving in this country, we're going to run out of humble beginnings for our great men.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, read more

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

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.

Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.

Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.

Adversity reminds men of religion.
[Lat., Adverse res admonent religionum.]

Adversity reminds men of religion.
[Lat., Adverse res admonent religionum.]

Prosperity is something the businessmen created for politicians to take credit for.

Prosperity is something the businessmen created for politicians to take credit for.

When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.

When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.

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 has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.