quotations about 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
Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living
The dictionary says that adversity is a condition marked by misfortune, a calamity, or an unfortunate event or circumstance. I say that adversity comes in all shapes and sizes, from life-threatening illnesses, to losing a sale, to failing in business, to rocky relationships. Adversity can be many things according to just when it hits you and under what conditions. Whatever it may be for you, if you have suffered setbacks, hardships, or failures, know that you are not alone. Very few things are true all of the time in all situations, but this is a universal truth: Plans do not become achievements, dreams do not become realities, and ideas do not come to fruition without setbacks, hardships, and failures.
BARRY J. FARBER
Diamond Power
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
Adversity is a good thing in the long run if everyone involved understands how it shapes their character, and it brings out the true colors of a team.
BROC THREINEN
"Football preview: Kasson-Mantorville at Lourdes", Post Bulletin, September 30, 2016
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
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
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 good if you handle it in the right way.
BRAD BERRY
"Denver finishes rare sweep of North Dakota with 4-1 win", Washington Times, February 14, 2016
Adversity is the mint in which God stamps upon man his image and superscription.
HENRY WARD BEECHER
Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit
Adversity is opportunity.
DAMION LEE
"From Lewis and Lee, leadership that transcends a scandal", WDRB, February 7, 2016
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
Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living
Global fame wrought from adversity is different, an unescapable beast that hounds you everywhere you go. Dealing with adversity verging on the tragic isn't easy when the world wants to know everything about you.
WADE DAVIS
"Mick Fanning (sorta) retires for 2016", Surfing Life, February 23, 2016
People never fail to amaze me. They face the unimaginable with a shot of grace and a rush of adrenaline; they steel their nerves; they summon their cool or anger or faith or whatever it takes to pull them through, and they go on to live another day.
OPRAH WINFREY
O Magazine, Apr. 2007
I know adversity is not easy, but I also understand that if met with a positive mental attitude it's going to serve you well.
GLENN CARUSO
"Normality to combat cancer: Luke Hermann's fight off the football field", Tommie Media, September 20, 2016
All character is formed by adversity; but adversity is a very large word, and must be very largely interpreted. So long as it is understood to mean misfortune, external disaster or calamity only, its offices are sure to be misconceived, and its virtue will certainly be missed. Adversity may come in fair forms and bland disguises, seeming to be the very thing it is not. Things adverse are not always things repellent. They may be things attractive, deeply considered. Whatever is adverse, not to our pleasure, enjoyment or happiness merely, but to our virtue; whatever stands over against our better conscience, is opposite to our finest feelings, hostile to our truest principles, is adversity. It is the element of antagonisms, of opposition, of moral assault, let it appear in whatever guise it may. If it provokes our hearts to involuntary resistance, causes reaction and resentment, it is the discipline that educates character. And for this we must be on our guard. The finest characters are educated by struggle with adversity of this kind, by wrestling with powers that seem friendly.
O. B. PROTHINGHAM
"The School of Adversity", The Herald of Health, Aug. 1872
Those who choose to make adversity their friend don't enjoy hardship any more than the next person. But there is a world of difference between those who befriend adversity by overcoming it and learning from the experience, and those who give up at the first sign of an obstacle.... Adversity is going to happen, and usually in ways you could've never foreseen. Knowing this, make a choice right now to look at adversity in a new light the next time it comes your way. Though it may not look so friendly on the surface, realize that adversity is an ally and that it's here to teach you something of crucial importance. Of course it's an unwelcome visitor. But when it presents itself, treat the experience as a unique learning opportunity. Here is your chance to impact positively your human capital development in ways that no seminar, class, or training session can even closely approximate.
J. BARRY GRISWELL & BOB JENNINGS
The Adversity Paradox
There is, too, a very great difference in the purpose served both by those events which we call adverse and those called prosperous. For the good man is neither uplifted with the good things of time, nor broken by its ills; but the wicked man, because he is corrupted by this world's happiness, feels himself punished by its unhappiness.
ST. AUGUSTINE
The City of God
One must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with good grace.
ARISTOPHANES
The Thesmophoriazusae
If afflictions refine some, they consume others.
THOMAS FULLER
Gnomologia
Thrive on adversity, train in discomfort, embrace the suck and conquer it.
LU LASTRA
"Mental Toughness: What Exactly Is It?", ShadowSpear Special Operations, March 2, 2016