We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.

We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.

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.

The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.

The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.

Adversity's sweet milk, philosophy.

Adversity's sweet milk, philosophy.

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.

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.

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.

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.