It is really true what philosophy tells us, that life must be understood backwards. But with this, one forgets the second proposition, that it must be lived forwards.
—Soren Kierkegaard (1813–55) Danish Philosopher, Theologian
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 (1901–66) American Entrepreneur
Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.
—Helen Keller (1880–1968) American Author
The greatness comes not when things go always good for you. But the greatness comes when you’re really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes. Because only if you’ve been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.
—Richard Nixon (1913–94) American Head of State, Lawyer
I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realize it! Life is a game, play it! Life is Love, enjoy it.
—Sathya Sai Baba (1926–2011) Indian Hindu Religious Leader
For every mountain, there is a miracle.
—Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015) American Christian Televangelist, Author
The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.
—Jim Rohn (1930–2009) American Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker
The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
—Walter Bagehot (1826–77) English Economist, Journalist
To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist.
—Gail Sheehy (1936–2020) American Writer, Journalist
Great things are done when men and mountains meet; this is not done by jostling in the street.
—William Blake (1757–1827) English Poet, Painter, Printmaker
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man can store up in his ghosty heart
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) American Novelist
The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart
—Dorothy Day (1897–1980) American Journalist, Christian Activist
Journalism is the ability to meet the challenge of filling space.
—Rebecca West (1892–1983) English Author, Journalist, Literary Critic
Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.
—George S. Patton (1885–1945) American Military Leader
Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down.
—Charles F. Kettering (1876–1958) American Inventor, Entrepreneur, Businessperson
Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.
—Richard Nixon (1913–94) American Head of State, Lawyer
How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser.
—Lou Holtz (1893–1980) American Stage Performer
The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain—he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem—he is challenged by it. Mountains are created to be conquered; adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved. It is better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
—Theodor Seuss Geisel (‘Dr. Seuss’) (1904–91) American Children’s Books Writer, Writer, Cartoonist, Animator
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
—Peter Marshall
Never underestimate your problem or your ability to deal with it.
—Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015) American Christian Televangelist, Author
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but—I hope—into a better shape.
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
Leadership cannot just go along to get along. Leadership must meet the moral challenge of the day
—Jesse Jackson (b.1941) American Baptist Civil Rights Activist, Minister
Courage is the human virtue that counts most—courage to act on limited knowledge and insufficient evidence. That’s all any of us have.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963) American Poet
If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.
—Unknown
The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution
—Bertrand A. Russell (1872–1970) British Philosopher, Mathematician, Social Critic
It’s a troublesome world. All the people who’re in it are troubled with troubles almost every minute. You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you’re lucky you’re not.
—Theodor Seuss Geisel (‘Dr. Seuss’) (1904–91) American Children’s Books Writer, Writer, Cartoonist, Animator
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