quotations about adversity
Abused prosperity is oftentimes made the very means of our greatest adversity.
DANIEL DEFOE
Robinson Crusoe
Adversity is like the period of the former and of the latter rain--cold, comfortless, unfriendly to man and to animal; yet from that season have their birth, the flower, and the fruit, the date, the rose, and the pomegranate.
SIR WALTER SCOTT
The Talisman
Adversity successfully overcome is the highest glory.
ANONYMOUS
Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages
Adversity is not a curse, for it is often, if not always, necessary to our welfare and happiness. It is like medicine to the sick, which if it be unpalatable is still salutary.
T. J. SAWYER
The Christian Messenger, Jun. 23, 1832
In any adversity that happens to us in the world, we ought to consider that misery and affliction are not less natural than snow and hail, storm and tempest: And it were as reasonable to hope for a year without winter, as for a life without trouble.
WELLINS CALCOTT
Thoughts Moral and Divine
It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end ... because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing ... this shadow. Even darkness must pass.
SAM
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Adversity has ever been considered the state in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, then, especially, being free from flatterers.
SAMUEL JOHNSON
attributed, A Dictionary of Thoughts
From sports I have learned that adversity is normal, but it is through those hardships that normal people are prepared to accomplish great things.
JOHN GAINES
"John Gaines continues to PUSH and inspire", USA Today, February 11, 2016
Bouncing back from disappointment and adversity is a special aspect of sports competition. Great players and great teams have that ability in them.
BRUCE ARMSTRONG
"Britt wrestlers bounce back, claim regionals", Fay Observer, February 17, 2016
Adversity is opportunity.
DAMION LEE
"From Lewis and Lee, leadership that transcends a scandal", WDRB, February 7, 2016
The shade of faith and the cloak of true godliness is the best equipage for the storm of adversity.
WILLIAM SCOTT DOWNEY
Proverbs
Adversity is the mint in which God stamps upon man his image and superscription.
HENRY WARD BEECHER
Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit
All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.
WALT DISNEY
attributed, Pearls: Philosophies for Living a Robust and Fulfilling Life
Harnessing adversity is a discipline tailored to a world of unpredictable outcomes--a world where one can disturb, but not wholly direct, a living system. Because the unexpected--adversity--is guaranteed, this discipline is about routinely making lemons into lemon meringue pie.
RICHARD T. PASCALE
Surfing the Edge of Chaos
Prosperity is apt to prevent us from examining our conduct; but adversity leads us to think properly of our state, and so is beneficial to us.
BRUCE LEE
Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living
Adversity is a way of life and God is there in that time of need.
DABO SWINNEY
"Clemson's Dabo Swinney shares 'SWAG' story", Times Enterprise, February 25, 2016
Being able to overcome adversity is a great triumph and something to be celebrated. Of course, no one's life will be without difficulty. We should be sure to cherish significant accomplishments in life. However, we must be careful when considering what we will classify as problems and challenges in need of overcoming. While certain characteristics may put a person at a disadvantage in the world as it is today, this does not mean that a certain aspect of their lived experience is the problem itself.
ELIZABETH HASCHER
"The narrative of overcoming", Observer Online, March 2, 2016
If we miss the opportunity for growth we waste our adversity and come out on the other side the same.
CLARENCE LEE JR.
"Adversity is Preparation", The Lee Blog
That thorny path, those stormy skies, have drawn our spirits nearer; and rendered us, by sorrow's ties, each to the other dearer.
BERNARD BARTON
Not Ours the Vows
There is an elasticity in the human mind, capable of bearing much, but which will not show itself, until a certain weight of affliction be put upon it; its powers may be compared to those vehicles whose springs are so contrived that they get on smoothly enough when loaded, but jolt confoundedly when they have nothing to bear.
CHARLES CALEB COLTON
Lacon