quotations about adversity
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
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
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
Adversity is only sand on your track to prevent you from skidding.
CROFT M. PENTZ
1001 Things Your Mother Told You
Adversity is never an excuse.
MIKE MAX
"Former Paralympic Swimmer Coaching At Robbinsdale Armstrong High", CBS Minnesota, February 12, 2016
The discipline to keep going in the face of adversity is what separates the exceptional performers from the rest of the pack. When the road gets rocky and takes some unexpected twists and turns, you can sit by the side, make excuses, and watch others go by. Or you can push on despite the terrain.
JOHN GLENNON
"Desire and Drive: Is it enough?", Kamloops This Week, March 3, 2016
It's tempting to suppose that adversity is a precursor to strong leadership. But it's not the adversity that foments achievement, it's an individual's response to adversity--their degree of resilience. Resilience, the ability to bounce back after a setback, is an emotional muscle that grows stronger with use. The more frequent and intense the adversity--situations where one is under fire, facing a formidable foe or suffering with hardship--the more one's resilience is tested and fortified. Note the strong relationship between adversity and resilience. Without adversity, our resilience muscles atrophy. If life is too comfortable, we never practice "bouncing back." If we never fail or lose, we miss the confidence-building experience of coming from behind to win.
JOHN ENGELS
"Adversity and resilience can become leadership assets", Rochester Business Journal, January 29, 2016
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
As the paper though it entereth the press white, yet when it cometh forth black is eagerly sought to be perused; so do thou let thy life, though darkened by adversity, be made all the more useful to thy fellows.
IVAN PANIN
Thoughts
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
The self-belief and the willingness to confront adversity is what separate the great from the ordinary.
INDRANIL MAJUMDAR
"Rohit and Saha take India to a commanding position", Calcutta Telegraph, October 2, 2016
The shade of faith and the cloak of true godliness is the best equipage for the storm of adversity.
WILLIAM SCOTT DOWNEY
Proverbs
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
The uncanny ability to overcome adversity is in the DNA of ... champions.
ROGER GROVES
"Despite Opening Game Loss Notre Dame Is National Championship Material", Forbes, September 5, 2016
In estimating the adversities of life, we would seldom have much reason to complain of the evils we suffer, did we understand the dangers we daily escape.
NORMAN MACDONALD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
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
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
One must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with good grace.
ARISTOPHANES
The Thesmophoriazusae
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
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