Adversity Quotes:

We fail to see the purifying and refining effect wrought by the flames of adversity. These flames are not meant to consume but only to purify us. Disguised as adversity, blessings are showered upon us.

- A. Theodore Tuttle

topic: Adversity, Blessing, Flames, Refining

I tend to not discriminate when it comes to people I can learn from. Basically, if someone has built a meaningful business in software, technology or media, faced disruption and adversity, and overcame underdog status, I want to know how they did it.

- Aaron Levie

topic: Meaningful, Adversity, Technology

Was it possible I'd labeled him incorrectly? Shallow jocksdidn't overcome adversity and accomplish the things Leif had. I'd labeled him, not even knowing him. Just because girls went gaga over him andevery boy wanted to be him didn't make him a jerk. The only jerk in the room happened to be the judgmental, elitist female. Me.

- Abbi Glines

topic: Girl, Adversity, Boys, Elitist

When a sailor overcomes crushing adversity, there's a massive sense of accomplishment.

- Abby Sunderland

source: Abby Sunderland, Lynn Vincent (2011). “Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas”, p.118, Thomas Nelson Inc

topic: Crush, Adversity, Accomplishment, Sense Of Accomplishment

Thinking is progress. Non-thinking is stagnation of the individual, organisation and the country. Thinking leads to action. Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant. Knowledge with action, converts adversity into prosperity.

- Abdul Kalam

topic: Country, Adversity, Thinking, Stagnation

Without the assistance of that Divine Being...I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.

- Abraham Lincoln

topic: Adversity, Succeed, Failing

The money power preys on the nation in times of peace, and conspires against it in times of adversity. It is more despotic than monarchy, more insolent than autocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy. It denounces, as public enemies, all who question its methods or throw light upon its crimes.

- Abraham Lincoln

topic: Selfish, Adversity, Light, Money And Power, Insolent

Good actions are a guard against the blows of adversity.

- Abu Bakr

topic: Adversity, Blow, Action, Caliphs

Adversity makes me hungrier. I thrive on being able to make a way out of No Way.

- Adrian Peterson

source: "Run Like Adrian Peterson". Interview with Andrew Daniels, www.menshealth.com. November 14, 2011.

topic: Adversity, Able, Way

The reward of suffering is experience

- Aeschylus

topic: Adversity, Suffering, Rewards

Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.

- Aesop

topic: Adversity, Men, Littles

Adversity is just change that we haven't adapted ourselves to yet.

- Aimee Mullins

topic: Adversity, Adapted, Positive Change, Wise Words

Our responsibility is not simply shielding those we care for from adversity but preparing them to meet it well.

- Aimee Mullins

topic: Adversity, Responsibility, Care

Adversity isn't an obstacle that we need to get around in order to resume living our life. It's part of our life.

- Aimee Mullins

topic: Adversity, Order, Needs, Obstacle In Life

By sticking it out through tough times, people emerge from adversity with a stronger sense of efficacy.

- Albert Bandura

topic: Adversity, People, Tough Times

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

- Albert Einstein

topic: Inspirational, Perseverance, Adversity, Self Awareness

The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character.

- Albert Schweitzer

source: Sir Walter Scott (2013). “Delphi Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott (Illustrated)”, p.5509, Delphi Classics

topic: Life, Character, Adversity, Frivolous, Elasticity

Adversity is the touchstone of character: it is not in success but in misfortune that hidden powers bear fruit.

- Alec-Tweedie

source: Ethel Alec-Tweedie, Mrs Alec-Tweedie (1904). “Sunny Sicily: Its Rustics and Its Ruins”

topic: Character, Adversity, Fruit

Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.

- Alexander Graham Bell

topic: Positive, Adversity, Opportunity, Closing Up, Life Opportunity

I never knew any man in my life who could not bear another's misfortunes perfectly like a Christian.

- Alexander Pope

topic: God, Christian, Adversity

But hey, what's life without a little adversity?" That had to have been the fakest attempt at optimism since my fourth grade teacher tried reasoning that we were better off without the dead kids in our class because it'd mean more turns on the playground swings for the rest of us.

- Alexandra Bracken

topic: Teacher, Mean, Adversity, Fourth Grade

We should not seek to confirm God's will by the absence of adversity.

- Alistair Begg

topic: Adversity, Absence, Should

I contend that not only can you laugh at adversity, but it is essential to do so if you are to deal with setbacks without defeat.

- Allen Klein

topic: Adversity, Laughing, Essentials

I have come to know that adversity really means the things in life that challenge us and cause us to work with devotion and courage to overcome. I once stood on a street in Trondheim, Norway, looking up at a statue of a Viking. There came to my mind at that time a fable of the Norsemen that when a man won a victory over another, the strength of the conquered went over into his veins. Therefore, in this sense adversity is good, for it produces in us a source of strength as we learn to conquer our weaknesses.

- Alvin R. Dyer

topic: Life, Mean, Adversity, Vikings, Source Of Strength

The prosecution responsible for the many discrepancies in their work must be made to answer for them, for Raffaele's sake, my sake and most especially for the sake of Meredith's family. Our hearts go out to them. No matter what happens, my family and I will face this continuing legal battle as we always have, confident in the truth and with our heads held high in the face of wrongful accusations and unreasonable adversity.

- Amanda Knox

source: Amanda Knox Retrial: "Italian Court Rules To Re-Hear Murder Case" by Chris Rogers, hollywoodlife.com. March 26, 2013.

topic: Heart, Adversity, Battle, Discrepancies

Do not desert a friend in time of need, nor forsake him nor fail him, for friendship is the support of life. Let us then bear our burdens as the Apostle has taught (cf. Gal. 6:2): for he spoke to those whom the charity of the same one body had embraced together. If friends in prosperity help friends, why do they not also in times of adversity offer their support? Let us aid by giving counsel, let us offer our best endeavors, let us sympathize with them with all our heart.

- Ambrose

topic: Christian, Adversity, Heart, Gals

optimism, n. The doctrine, or belief, that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong. It is held with greatest tenacity by those most accustomed to the mischance of falling into adversity, and is most acceptably expounded with disproof - an intellectual disorder, yielding to no treatment but death. It is hereditary, but fortunately not contagious.

- Ambrose Bierce

topic: Beautiful, Fall, Adversity, Mischance, Hereditary

When prosperous the fool trembles for the evil that is to come; in adversity the philosopher smiles for the good that he has had.

- Ambrose Bierce

topic: Adversity, Evil, Fool, Her Smile

That part of your friend which it is your privilege to contemplate in your adversity

- Ambrose Bierce

topic: Friendship, Adversity, Privilege

A champion is defined by the adversity he overcomes

- Anderson Silva

topic: Adversity, Champion, Overcoming

Nothing prevents happiness like the memory of happiness.

- Andre Gide

topic: Memories, Adversity, Problem

I work best when there is adversity: I seem to get calmer the more the fur is flying.

- Andrea Arnold

topic: Adversity, Flying, Fur, Calmer

Dancing allows me to explore myself in so many ways, to learn about my limitations and strengths, my ability to cope with adversity and to go farther than I thought I could. You find out what you're made of.

- Andrew Asnes

topic: Dance, Adversity, Dancing

Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do something you don't necessarily want to do, to get a result you would really like to have.

- Andy Andrews

topic: Adversity, Self, Discipline

Adversity builds muscle. Adversity creates strength. Adversity, it turns out, is preparation for success.

- Andy Andrews

topic: Adversity, Preparation, Muscles

Everything now will prepare you for the next step. Don't run from adversity; lean into it with all your heart and God will make you a leader worth following.

- Andy Stanley

topic: Running, Heart, Adversity

Character develops in stream of struggle and adversity. Character is foundation of your inner beauty which reflects in your personality.

- Anil Sinha

topic: Struggle, Character, Adversity, Inner Struggle

God has given me the bread of adversity and the water of trouble ...

- Anne Askew

topic: Adversity, Water, Bread

If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

- Anne Bradstreet

source: Anne Bradstreet, Adelaide P. Amore (1982). “A woman's inner world: selected poetry and prose of Anne Bradstreet”

topic: Life, Spring, Adversity, Spring Awakening, Spring Gardening

A prosperous state makes a secure Christian, but adversity makes him Consider.

- Anne Bradstreet

topic: Christian, Adversity, States

I had been seasoned by adversity, and tutored by experience, and I longed to redeem my lost honour in the eyes of those whose opinion was more than that of all the world to me.

- Anne Bronte

source: Anne Bronte (2012). “Agnes Grey”, p.38, Courier Corporation

topic: Adversity, Eye, World

And I think that's important, to know how the water's gone over the dam before you start to describe it. It helps to have been over the dam yourself.

- Annie Proulx

topic: Adversity, Thinking, Water

It is always in the midst, in the epicenter, of your troubles that you find serenity.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

topic: Adversity, Serenity, Overcoming, Inspirational Adversity, Overcoming Hardship

Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.

- Anton Chekhov

topic: Appreciation, Nature, Adversity, Learn To Appreciate

In the face of adversity, you find out if you're a fighter or a quitter. It's all about getting up after you've been knocked down.

- Archie Griffin

topic: Adversity, Faces, Fighter, Quitter, Facing Adversity

Difficulties are just God's errands. If we are sent upon them, it is an evidence of His confidence. Therefore, let us be glad, be happy, for it is a way of being wise.

- Ardeth Kapp

source: Ardeth Greene Kapp (1987). “I Walk by Faith”, Shadow Mountain

topic: Wise, Adversity, Errands

In my practice as a psychiatrist, I have found that helping people to develop personal goals has proven to be the most effective way to help them cope with problems. Observing that lives of people who have mastered adversity, I have noticed that they have established goals and sought with all their effort to achieve them. From the moment they decided to concentrate all their energies on a specific objective, they begun to surmount the most difficult odds.

- Ari Kiev

topic: Adversity, Odds, Practice, Personal Goal

One must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with good grace.

- Aristophanes

topic: Adversity, Grace, Trying

Prosperity makes friends and adversity tries them. A true friend is one soul in two bodies

- Aristotle

topic: True Friend, Inspiration, Adversity

Adversity in the things of this world opens the door for spiritual salvation.

- Arnold J. Toynbee

topic: Spiritual, Adversity, Doors

Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.

- Arnold Palmer

source: FaceBook post by Arnold Palmer from Oct 04, 2016

topic: Inspirational, Sports, Adversity, Inspirational Soccer, Inspirational Athlete

Adversity is the source of our deepest growth and greatest blessings; embrace it, dare to seek it.

- Aron Ralston

topic: Adversity, Blessing, Growth, Deepness, Greatest Blessings

When working on a project, if you put away a tool that you're certain you're finished with, you will need it instantly.

- Arthur Bloch

source: Arthur Bloch (2003). “Murphy's Law: The 26th Anniversary Edition: The 26th Anniversary Edition”, p.57, Penguin

topic: Adversity, Needs, Tools

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.

- Arthur Bloch

source: "Grants: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?". Article by Cecilia Blanford, www.grantprofessionals.org. February 22, 2012.

topic: Adversity, Damage, Causes, Murphys Law

Rightly conceived, time is the friend of all who are in any way in adversity, for its mazy road winds in and out of the shadows sooner or later into sunshine, and when one is at its darkest point one can be certain that presently it will grow brighte.

- Arthur Bryant

topic: Adversity, Sunshine, Wind

Sometimes we get through adversity only by imagining what the world might be like if our dreams should ever come true.

- Arthur Golden

source: Arthur Golden (2008). “Memoirs Of A Geisha”, p.370, Random House

topic: Dream, Adversity, World, Memories Of A Geisha

I walked slowly out on the beach. A few yards below high-water mark I stopped and read the words again: WRITE YOUR WORRIES ON THE SAND. I let the paper blow away, reached down and picked up a fragment of shell. Kneeling there under the vault of the sky, I wrote several words, one above the other. Then I walked away, and I did not look back. I had written my troubles on the sand. The tide was coming in.

- Arthur Gordon Webster

topic: Beach, Writing, Adversity, Kneeling

Then I walked away, and I did not look back. I had written my troubles on the sand. The tide was coming in.

- Arthur Gordon Webster

topic: Adversity, Looks, Tides

If the lives of men were relieved of all need, hardship and adversity; if everything they took in hand were successful, they would be so swollen with arrogance that, though they might not burst, they would present the spectacle of unbridled folly-nay, they would go mad. And I may say, further, that a certain amount of care or pain or trouble is necessary for every man at all times. A ship without ballast is unstable and will not go straight.

- Arthur Schopenhauer

topic: Pain, Adversity, Successful, Swollen, Ballast

For a Christian to defy adversities is to "despise" chastisement. Instead of hardening himself to endure stoically, there should be a melting of the heart.

- Arthur W. Pink

topic: Christian, Heart, Adversity, Chastisement

When you observe that the fire in your room is getting dull, you do not always put on more coal, but simply stir with the poker; so God often uses the black poker of adversity in order that the flames of devotion may burn more brightly.

- Arthur W. Pink

topic: Adversity, Flames, Order, Your Room

It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line.

- Ashleigh Brilliant

topic: Inspirational, Kindness, Adversity, Hang In There, Times Of Adversity

Overall the theme is about never giving in... not letting anyone tell you what to do or take anything away from you. Always being yourself, whatever that may be. The content obviously takes a darker and romantic approach to relationships about love and loss, as well as overcoming adversity in everyday life. Generally, just being tough and standing up for what you believe.

- Ashley Purdy

topic: Being Yourself, Believe, Adversity

I studied in Britain and spent great moments of my life there as a student living in Belsize Park. I admire the British trait of the stiff upper lip in the face of adversity. My wife studied in Britain, too, and both of us have many friends there.

- Asif Ali Zardari

source: Interview with Luke Harding, www.theguardian.com. September 28, 2000.

topic: Adversity, Wife, Parks, Great Moments, Stiff Upper Lip

Difficulties should act as a tonic. They should spur us to greater exertion.

- B. C. Forbes

topic: Motivational, Adversity, Challenges, Exertion

There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul.

- Baltasar Gracian

topic: Adversity, Blessing, Unique, Without Friends

If things are tough, remember that every flower had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there. So do not grieve about a bitter experience. The present is slipping by while you are regretting the past and worrying about the future. Regret will not prevent tomorrow's sorrows; it will only rob today of its strength.

- Barbara Johnson

source: "Boomerang Joy: Joy That Goes Around, Comes Around".

topic: Regret, Flower, Adversity, Bitter Experience

There is no obstacle in the path of young people who are poor or members of minority groups that hard work and preparation cannot cure.

- Barbara Jordan

topic: Hard Work, Adversity, People, Minority Groups

Even the most daring and accomplished people have undergone tremendous difficulty. In fact, the more successful they became, the more they attributed their success to the lessons learned during their most difficult times. Adversity is our teacher. When we view adversity as a guide towards greater inner growth, we will then learn to accept the wisdom our soul came into this life to learn.

- Barbara Rose

topic: Teacher, Determination, Adversity, Inner Growth

You never know how a horse will pull until you hook him to a heavy load.

- Bear Bryant

topic: Horse, Adversity, Hook, Alabama Football, Heavy Loads

One of the greatest gifts my father gave me - unintentionally - was witnessing the courage with which he bore adversity. We had a bit of a rollercoaster life with some really challenging financial periods. He was always unshaken, completely tranquil, the same ebullient, laughing, jovial man.

- Ben Okri

topic: Fathers Day, Courage, Adversity, Jovial, Rollercoaster

People are defeated by easy, victorious and cheap successes more than by adversity.

- Benjamin Disraeli

topic: Adversity, People, Defeated

The English nation is never so great as in adversity.

- Benjamin Disraeli

topic: Adversity, England

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

source: Bernard Barton, Lucy Barton (1853). “Poems and Letters by Bernard Barton: With a Memoir”, p.160

topic: Adversity, Sky, Ties, Stormy

Many appear full of mildness and sweetness as long as everything goes their own way; but the moment any contradiction or adversity arises, they are in a flame, and begin to rage like a burning mountain. Such people as these are like red-hot coals hidden under ashes. This is not the mildness which Our Lord undertook to teach us in order to make us like unto Himself.

- Bernard of Clairvaux

topic: Anger, Adversity, Flames, Mildness

Diseases can be our spiritual flat tires - disruptions in our lives that seem to be disasters at the time but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way.

- Bernie Siegel

source: "Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration". Book by Bernie Siegel, 1989.

topic: Meaningful, Spiritual, Adversity, Flat Tires

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

- Bernie Siegel

topic: Adversity, Watches, Helping

Trust reverses the detours of adversity into highways of destiny.

- Beth Moore

topic: Adversity, Destiny, Detours

Even the severed branch grows again, and the sunken moon returns: wise men who ponder this are not troubled in adversity.

- Bhartrhari

topic: Wise, Adversity, Moon, Ponder This

A team divided against itself can break down at any moment. The least bit of pressure or adversity will crack it apart

- Bill Parcells

source: Bill Parcells (1995). “Finding a Way to Win: The Principles of Leadership, Teamwork, and Motivation”, Doubleday Books

topic: Basketball, Team, Adversity

Winter does adversely affect [the roads] and our roads have been let go, so they're more and more porous. We're going to have to put more and more emphasis on permanent patch and maintenance, so I expect a great deal of roads breaking up in the spring.

- Bill Vaughan

topic: Letting Go, Spring, Adversity

In adversity man is saved by hope.

- Bill Vaughan

topic: Adversity, Men

Books are delightful when prosperity happily smiles; when adversity threatens, they are inseparable comforters. They give strength to human compacts, nor are grave opinions brought forward without books. Arts and sciences, the benefits of which no mind can calculate. depend upon books.

- Bill Vaughan

topic: Art, Book, Adversity, Comforter

Sometimes it's worse to win a fight than to lose.

- Billie Holiday

source: Billie Holiday, William Dufty (1956). “Lady sings the blues”

topic: Adversity, Fighting, Winning, Times Of Adversity

Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.

- Billy Graham

topic: Adversity, Reality, Religion, Inspirational Adversity, Words Of Comfort

The saloon is a liar. It promises good cheer and sends sorrow. It promises prosperity and sends adversity. It promises happiness and sends misery.... It is God's worst enemy and the devil's best friend.

- Billy Sunday

topic: Cheer, Liars, Adversity

In every kind of adversity, the bitterest part of a man's affliction is to remember that he once was happy.

- Boethius

topic: Adversity, Men, Affliction

In omni adversitate fortunæ, infelicissimum genus est infortunii fuisse felicem In every adversity of fortune, to have been happy is the most unhappy kind of misfortune.

- Boethius

topic: Kindness, Adversity, Unhappy

For in all adversity of fortune the worst sort of misery is to have been happy.

- Boethius

topic: Happiness, Depression, Adversity, Adversity And Character

The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord -even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace. “When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?

- Bonnie D. Parkin

topic: Gratitude, Adversity, Humility

When was the last fast time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?

- Bonnie D. Parkin

topic: Spiritual, Gratitude, Adversity, Fast Times

I don't like people who have never fallen or stumbled. Their virtue is lifeless and it isn't of much value. Life hasn't revealed its beauty to them.

- Boris Pasternak

source: Doctor Zhivago ch. 13 (1958) (translation by Max Hayward and Manya Harari)

topic: Life, Adversity, People, Value Of Life, Life Is Precious

Something called 'the Oklahoma Standard' became known throughout the world. It means resilience in the face of adversity. It means a strength and compassion that will not be defeated.

- Brad Henry

topic: Mean, Adversity, Compassion, Facing Adversity

Problems are the price you pay for progress.

- Branch Rickey

topic: Adversity, Progress, Pay

I consider adversity being good sometimes you know.

- Brett Favre

topic: Adversity, Sometimes, Be Good

Initially, I know that I handled it worse than she did and I think partly because I've always been... every bit of adversity I've faced up until the last year and a half is adversity I brought upon myself - or the opposing teams have given me.

- Brett Favre

topic: Sports, Team, Adversity

The thrill of achievement comes from overcoming adversity in the accomplishment of an important goal.

- Brian Tracy

topic: Adversity, Accomplishment, Goal

Your persistence is, in fact, the true measure of your belief in yourself and your ability to succeed. Each time that you persist in the face of adversity and disappointment, you build the habit of persistence.

- Brian Tracy

topic: Perseverance, Disappointment, Adversity, Belief In Yourself, Facing Adversity

Quickly say, "That's good!" to every setback and adversity, and then find out what is good about it.

- Brian Tracy

topic: Inspiring, Children, Adversity

No matter what your circumstances are, whether you are in prosperity or in adversity, you can learn from every person, transaction, and circumstance around you.

- Brigham Young

topic: Inspiring, Education, Adversity

No matter what sort of adversity or challenge you might face, you can always believe that, with hope, it can be conquered and, in the end, you will be stronger for it.

- Brooke Ellison

topic: Believe, Adversity, Challenges, Stronger Than Before

Life isn't always easy and we are never guaranteed that things will always go smoothly…It progresses with an almost constant series of challenges, but these obstacles are just detours that we have to take in order to meet our ultimate goals. No matter what sort of adversity or challenge you might face, you can always believe that, with hope, it can be conquered and, in the end, you will be stronger for it.

- Brooke Ellison

topic: Believe, Adversity, Order

Someone said adversity builds character, but someone else said adversity reveals character. Im pleasantly surprised with my resilience. I persevere, and not just blindly. I take the best, get rid of the rest, and move on, realizing that you can make a choice to take the good.

- Brooke Shields

topic: Moving, Character, Adversity

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

topic: Adversity, Thinking, Prosperity

With every adversity comes a blessing because a shock acts as a reminder to oneself that we must not get stale in routine.

- Bruce Lee

topic: Adversity, Blessing, Routine

All our losses and sufferings will be made up to us in the resurrection.

- Bruce R. McConkie

topic: Adversity, Loss, Suffering

People of great ability do not emerge, as a rule, from the happiest background. So far as my own observation goes, I would conclude that ability, although hereditary, is improved by an early measure of adversity and improved again by a later measure of success.

- C. Northcote Parkinson

topic: Adversity, People, Observation

In our adversity, God shouts to us.

- C. S. Lewis

topic: Adversity

The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil.

- C. S. Lewis

topic: Adversity, Years, Weather, Middle Aged, Cold Weather

Adversity removes the friends prosperity has harvested.

- C.J. Langenhoven

topic: Adversity, Prosperity

A lot of people think I had such a rosy career, but I wanted to identify that one of the things that helps you have a long career is learning how to deal with adversity, how to get past it. Once I learned how to get through that, others things didn't seem so hard.

- Cal Ripken, Jr.

topic: Adversity, Past, Thinking, Long Careers

People, like water, will run downhill, seeking their lowest level unless something interdicts them.

- Cal Thomas

source: Cal Thomas (1990). “Death of Ethics in America”, W Publishing Group

topic: Running, Adversity, People

Those who suffer great adversity and sorrow and go on to serve their fellowmen develop a great capacity to understand others. Like the prophets, they have acquired a higher understanding of the mind and will of Christ.

- Carlos H. Amado

topic: Adversity, Understanding, Mind

Our actions today will protect children from the adverse effects of exposure to pesticides commonly used on foods. The agency also is on schedule to meet all deadlines for ensuring safer pesticides use under the new Food Quality Protection Act.

- Carol Browner

source: "Study urged of pesticide, youth violence link". www.cnn.com. August 9, 1999.

topic: Children, Adversity, Agency, Pesticides, Protecting Children

I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don't work out, that's when I've really learned.

- Carol Burnett

topic: Adversity, Wrestling, Work Out, Daily Challenges, Life Challenges

I have noted that, barring accidents, artists whose powers wear best and last longest are those who have trained themselves to work under adversity. Great artists treasure their time with a bitter and snarling miserliness.

- Catherine Drinker Bowen

source: Catherine Drinker Bowen (1961). “The Nature of the Artist: An Address Delivered at the Dedication Ceremonies for Lee Pattison Recital Hall, Wilbur Hall, Mary Kimberly Residence Hall”

topic: Adversity, Artist, Treasure, Snarling

Often God has to shut a door in our face, so that He can subsequently open the door through which He wants us to go.

- Catherine Marshall

source: Catherine Marshall (2002). “A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall”, p.21, Chosen Books

topic: Adversity, Doors, Faces

God's way of dealing with us is to throw us into situations over our depth, then supply us with the necessary ability to swim.

- Catherine Marshall

source: Catherine Marshall (2002). “A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall”, p.119, Chosen Books

topic: Adversity, Swim, Depth

Things get bad for all of us, almost continually, and what we do under the constant stress reveals who/what we are.

- Charles Bukowski

topic: Stress, Adversity, Constant

Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.

- Charles Caleb Colton

topic: Success, Congratulations, Adversity

Make choices-not excuses.

- Charles J. Givens

topic: Adversity, Choices, Excuse

Failures, repeated failures, are sign-posts on the road to achievement. The only time you don't want to fail is the last time you try something (and it works).

- Charles Kettering

topic: Adversity, Achievement, Trying, Repeated Failure

Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time.

- Charles M. Schulz

topic: Time, Funny Life, Adversity, Take One Day At A Time, Cones

Remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity.

- Charles Spurgeon

topic: Adversity, Frost, Remember, Goodness Of God

In prosperity God is heard, and that is a blessing; but in adversity God is seen, and that is a greater blessing.

- Charles Spurgeon

topic: Adversity, Blessing, Prosperity

Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.

- Charles Stanley

topic: Adversity, Doe, Needs

There is nothing worse than a life filled with adversity from which nothing good ever comes.

- Charles Stanley

topic: Christian, Adversity, Christian Inspirational

Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.

- Charles Stanley

topic: Spiritual, Adversity, Growth, Spiritual Growth

Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief. But in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which HIS Supernatural Power is demonstrated.

- Charles Stanley

topic: Mean, Adversity, Hands, Supernatural Powers, Hands Of God

Don't be disquieted in time of adversity. Be firm with dignity and self-reliant with vigor.

- Chiang Kai-shek

topic: Adversity, Self, Challenges, Self Reliant

In all adversities there is always in its depth, a treasure of spiritual blessings secretly hidden.

- Chinmayananda Saraswati

source: "Quotations From Gurudev's Writings". Collected by Chinmaya Mission, Chicago, www.mychinmaya.org.

topic: Spiritual, Adversity, Blessing, Spiritual Blessings

When the world is in the midst of change, when adversity and opportunity are almost indistinguishable, this is the time for visionary leadership and when leaders need to look beyond the survival needs of those they're serving.

- Chip Conley

source: Interview with Bob Morris, bobmorris.biz. June 28, 2011.

topic: Adversity, Opportunity, Leader, Visionary Leadership

When you see evil do not form ideas that are in the likeness of that evil; do not think of the evil as bad, but try to understand the forces that are back of that evil—forces that are good in themselves, though misdirected in their present state. By trying to understand the nature of the power that is back of evil or adversity, you will not form bad ideas, and therefore will feel no bad effects from experiences that may seem undesirable. At the same time, you will think your own thought about the experiences, thereby developing the power of the master mind.

- Christian D. Larson

topic: Adversity, Thinking, Ideas

As threshing separates the wheat from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue.

- Christian Nestell Bovee

topic: Adversity, Doe, Literature

Misfortune can force you into doing things you should be doing anyway. Lessons come from adversity. Anything can happen to anyone... You can find a new lease on life - more meaning than you thought possible in simple things... Let go. Live in the moment. Go forward.

- Christopher Reeve

topic: Letting Go, Adversity, Simple, Lease

In the face of adversity, hope often comes in the form of a friend who reaches out to us.

- Christopher Reeve

source: Christopher Reeve (2002). “Nothing is impossible: reflections on a new life”

topic: Adversity, Faces, Form

You've got to have some adversity and learn from it. I'm working hard, but I didn't expect a cure in one day. You learn. You move on. You hold your head up. You go on to the next day.

- Chuck Knoblauch

topic: Moving, Adversity, One Day, Heads Up

Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch, what make you go beyond the norm.

- Cicely Tyson

source: "Biography/ Personal Quotes". www.imdb.com.

topic: Adversity, Challenges, Instruments

The Fates guide the person who accepts them and hinder the person who resists them.

- Cleanthes

topic: Adversity, Fate, Accepting

Face adversity head on in your training and you will conquer it smoothly in your fight.

- Conor McGregor

topic: Adversity, Fighting, Mma

Every evil is some good spelt backwards, and in it the wise know how to read Wisdom.

- Coventry Patmore

source: Coventry Patmore (2016). “The Root, the Rod and the Flower”, p.34, Lulu Press, Inc

topic: Wise, Adversity, Evil

The pressure of adversity is the most powerful sustainer of accountability. It's as though everything you do is multiplied by 50 in order to surpass those with a head-start. I was never capable of slacking when at the threshold of failure.

- Criss Jami

topic: Powerful, Adversity, Order, Head Start, Slacking

Adversity is only sand on your track to prevent you from skidding.

- Croft M. Pentz

topic: Adversity, Track, Sand

In my experience, men who respond to good fortune with modesty and kindness are harder to find than those who face adversity with courage.

- Cyrus the Great

topic: Kindness, Adversity, Men

As days lengthen into weeks and months and even years of adversity, the hurt grows deeper. The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week it is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul.

- D. Todd Christofferson

topic: Hurt, Adversity, Sunday, Crucifixion

The human spirit is as expansive as the cosmos. This is why it is so tragic to belittle yourself or to question your worth. No matter what happens, continue to push back the boundaries of your inner life. The confidence to prevail over any problem, the strength to overcome adversity and unbounded hope — all reside within you.

- Daisaku Ikeda

topic: Adversity, Overcoming, Cosmos, Human Spirit, Belittle

Adversity gives birth to greatness. The greater the challenges and difficulties we face, the greater the opportunity we have to grow and develop as people. A life without adversity, a life of ease and comfort, produces nothing and leaves us with nothing. This is one of the indisputable facts of life.

- Daisaku Ikeda

topic: Adversity, Opportunity, Greatness

A person's true nature is revealed at times of the greatest adversity.

- Daisaku Ikeda

topic: Adversity, Persons, True Nature

Rise to the challenges that life presents you. You can't develop genuine character and ability by sidestepping adversity and struggle.

- Daisaku Ikeda

topic: Struggle, Character, Adversity

Every noble work is bound to face problems and obstacles. It is important to check your goal and motivation thoroughly. One should be very truthful, honest, and reasonable. One's actions should be good for others, and for oneself as well. Once a positive goal is chosen, you should decide to pursue it all the way to the end. Even if it is not realized, at least there will be no regret.

- Dalai Lama

topic: Motivation, Regret, Adversity

It is not just a person's physical constitution, their intellegence, their education, or even their social conditioning that enables them to withstand hardship. Much more significant is their inner development. And while some may be able to survive through sheer willpower, the ones who suffer the least are those who have a high degree of patience and courage in the face of adversity.

- Dalai Lama

topic: Adversity, Suffering, Faces

Learning to forgive is much more useful than merely picking up a stone and throwing it at the object of one's anger, the more so when the provocation is extreme. For it is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

- Dalai Lama

topic: Forgiveness, Adversity, Forgiving, Selflessness, Provocation

Adversities are temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to them.

- Dallin H. Oaks

topic: Adversity, Way, Temporary

Everyone deals with adversity. It's how you bounce back from it.

- Daniel Cormier

topic: Adversity, Mma, Deals, Bounce

No matter how bad things get, eventually the sun is going to shine. If you just keep at it, pursuing your goals, eventually good things happen to decent people. For a person who is set on his goals, good things will happen. Everyone deals with adversity, it's how you bounce back from it.

- Daniel Cormier

topic: Adversity, People, Goal

Abused prosperity is oftentimes made the very means of our greatest adversity.

- Daniel Defoe

topic: Mean, Adversity, Prosperity

I suppose sooner or later in the life of everyone comes a moment of trial. We all of us have our particular devil who rides us and torments us, and we must give battle in the end.

- Daphne du Maurier

source: Daphne Du Maurier (1980). “The Rebecca notebook and other memories”, Book Sales

topic: Adversity, Giving, Growth

Press on. Your defining moment may arrive just when you feel surrounded by adversity.

- David Cottrell

source: David Cottrell (2013). “Tuesday Morning Coaching and The Magic Question (EBOOK BUNDLE)”, p.24, McGraw Hill Professional

topic: Adversity, May, Defining Moments

Weak minds sink under prosperity as well as adversity; but strong and deep ones have two high tides.

- David Hare

topic: Strong, Adversity, Two, Weak Minds, Adversity And Character

A weak mind sinks under prosperity, as well as under adversity. A strong and deep mind has two highest tides - when the moon is at the full, and when there is no moon.

- David Hare

source: Julius Charles Hare, Augustus William Hare (1861). “Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers: From the Fifth London Ed”, p.211

topic: Strong, Adversity, Moon, Weak Minds

The black middle-class in America is a prosperous community that is now larger in absolute terms than the black underclass. Does its existence not suggest that economic adversity is the result of failures of individual character rather than the lingering after-effects of racial discrimination and a slave system that ceased to exist well over a century ago?

- David Horowitz

source: "Ten Reasons Why Reparations for Blacks is a Bad Idea for Blacks - and Racist Too" by David Horowitz, FrontPageMagazine.com, January 3, 2001.

topic: Character, Adversity, Class, Lingering

What to do when adversity strikes? There is only one thing to do. Stand steady and see it through. Stay steadfast, constant, and true. The real tragedy in the whirlwinds of life comes only when we allow them to blow us off our true course.

- David S. Baxter

topic: Real, Adversity, Blow, Steadfast

We only truly discover who we really are in the face of tragedy and adversity, that being broken does not simply changes us, but reveals us!

- David Trumble

topic: Adversity, Broken, Tragedy

Jesus didn't save you so you could cruise to heaven in a luxury liner. He wants you to be useful in His kingdom! The moment you got saved, He enrolled you in His school the school of suffering and affliction.

- David Wilkerson

topic: Jesus, School, Adversity

I never feel more alive than when I'm in great pain, struggling against insurmountable odds and untold adversity. Hardship? Suffering? Bring it!

- Dean Karnazes

source: Dean Karnazes (2012). “Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss”, p.25, Rodale

topic: Pain, Struggle, Adversity, Insurmountable Odds, Insurmountable

Creating a family in this turbulent world is an act of faith, a wager that against all odds there will be a future, that love can last, that the heart can triumph against all adversities and even against the grinding wheel of time.

- Dean Koontz

topic: Family, Heart, Adversity, Wagers, Against All Odds

Pursue your goals even in the face of difficulties, and convert adversities into opportunities.

- Dhirubhai Ambani

topic: Adversity, Opportunity, Goal

A generous and noble spirit cannot be expected to dwell in the breasts of men who are struggling for their daily bread.

- Dionysius of Halicarnassus

topic: Struggle, Adversity, Men, Daily Bread

I learned to take those experiences that were difficult in my life and in the adversity that I had overcome to use it for a positive change.

- Dominique Moceanu

source: "CNN Newsroom" with Don Lemon, www.cnn.com. June 13, 2012.

topic: Adversity, Overcoming, Use

Find the grain of truth in criticism-chew it and swallow it.

- Don Sutton

topic: Adversity, Criticism, Grain

I don't think I changed a lot although I learned a lot. Adversity can be a wonderful teacher. Some people can't handle the pressure of it. For me it was a great thing. I learned about myself going through tough times. I guess I learned well.

- Donald Trump

topic: Teacher, Adversity, Thinking, Wonderful Teacher

Anyone can see the adversity in a difficult situation, but it takes a stronger person to see the opportunity.

- Drew Brees

topic: Adversity, Opportunity, Stronger, Stronger Person

We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God.

- Dwight L. Moody

topic: Inspiring, Adversity, Affliction, Forget The Past

With every adversity, there is an equal or greater gift. Keep looking for the gift.

- Earl Nightingale

topic: Adversity, Equal

Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.

- Edgar Allan Poe

topic: Spiritual, Blessed, Adversity

You find out your mistakes from an audience that pays admission.

- Edgar Bergen

topic: Mistake, Adversity, Overcoming, Admission

You when the storm is raging - how do you face despair? It is you that the world discovers, whatever the clothes you wear.

- Edgar Guest

topic: Adversity, Clothes, Despair, Clothes You Wear

In all adversity, what God takes away He may give us back with increase.

- Edward Bouverie Pusey

source: "The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll" by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood, (p. 48), 1898.

topic: Adversity, Giving, May

The difference between men who succeed or fail is their ability to handle pressure.

- Edwin Louis Cole

topic: Adversity, Men, Differences

The summit is believed to be the object of the climb. But its true object--the joy of living--is not in the peak itself, but in the adversities encountered on the way up.

- Eiji Yoshikawa

topic: Adversity, Joy, Mountain

Despite trials, worldly confusion, and caustic voices, we can trust in the Lord and go forward with happy hearts, knowing that with every challenge or problem, there's the strength to go on. Why? Because we know His promises are real, that He does know us by name and has a plan for each of us. He will help us learn what it is and give us joy in doing it.

- Elaine L. Jack

topic: Real, Heart, Adversity, Caustic, Trust In The Lord

Remember also that it is not knowledge but the yearning for knowledge that makes for a complete, accomplished man. Such a man does not stand still but perseveres in the face of adversity, nor does he remain untouched by the pain cause by absence. On the contrary, he recognizes himself in each cry, uttered or repressed, in the smallest rift, in the most pressing need.

- Elie Wiesel

topic: Pain, Adversity, Men, Facing Adversity, Rift

Afflictions are the steps to heaven.

- Elizabeth Ann Seton

topic: Adversity, Heaven, Affliction

True knowledge comes only through suffering.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

topic: Adversity, Suffering, True Knowledge

I believe that the souls of women flatten and anchor themselves in times of adversity, lay in for the stay. I've heard that when elephants are attacked they often run, not away, but toward each other. Perhaps it is because they are a matriarchal society.

- Elizabeth Berg

topic: Running, Believe, Adversity

I believe that the souls of women flatten and anchor themselves in times of adversity, lay in for the stay.

- Elizabeth Berg

topic: Believe, Adversity, Anchors

Adversity is a great teacher, but this teacher makes us pay dearly for its instruction; and often the profit we derive, is not worth the price we paid.

- Elizabeth Hardwick

topic: Teacher, Adversity, Pay

A wounded deer leaps the highest.

- Emily Dickinson

topic: Nature, Writing, Adversity, Emily

Common and vulgar people ascribe all ills that they feel to others; people of little wisdom ascribe to themselves; people of much wisdom, to no one.

- Epictetus

topic: Adversity, People, Littles

A preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past.

- Eric Hoffer

topic: Adversity, Past, Preoccupation, Inspirational Future, Past Future

The truth is that adversity is a part of most days. Whether you are ultimately weakened or strengthened by each event, or the accumulation of events, will depend on you first mastering the ability to Take It On!

- Erik Weihenmayer

source: Erik Weihenmayer, Paul Stoltz (2012). “The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles into Everyday Greatness”, p.34, Simon and Schuster

topic: Adversity, Events, Firsts

You don't just deal with adversity. You use it to propel you forward.

- Erik Weihenmayer

topic: Basketball, Adversity, Use

Ignorance of one's misfortunes is clear gain.

- Euripides

topic: Ignorance, Adversity, Ignorant

It is in adversity that the good show their friendship most clearly; prosperity always finds friends.

- Euripides

topic: Adversity, Prosperity, Shows

Disaster appears, to crush one man now, but afterward another.

- Euripides

topic: Crush, Adversity, Men, One Man

It is not on the pinnacle of success and ease where men and women grow most. It is often down in the valley of heartache and disappointment and reverses where men and women grow...

- Ezra Taft Benson

topic: Disappointment, Adversity, Heartache, Pinnacle

adversity is so rough a teacher!

- Fanny Fern

topic: Teacher, Adversity, Trouble

Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one's own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

- Farrah Fawcett

topic: Strong, Believe, Adversity, Strong Faith

True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise - the other, loyalty.

- Fielding H. Yost

topic: Loyalty, Character, Adversity

Yes," answered Sara, nodding. "Adversity tries people, and mine has tried you and proved how nice you are.

- Frances Hodgson Burnett

topic: Nice, Adversity, People