I can resist everything except temptation.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
Difficulties are things that show what men are.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves, as he loves us better too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This conflict with difficulty makes us acquainted with our object, and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.
—Edmund Burke (1729–97) British Philosopher, Statesman
To know yet to think that one does not know is best; Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
For every mountain, there is a miracle.
—Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015) American Christian Televangelist, Author
All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.
—Albert Camus (1913–60) Algerian-born French Philosopher, Dramatist, Essayist, Novelist, Author
Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution. It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it.
—Niels Bohr (1885–1962) Danish Physicist
We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
The chains of marriage are so heavy that it takes two to bear them, and sometimes three.
—Alexandre Dumas fils (1824–95) French Dramatist, Novelist
My difficulties belong to me !
—Alfred Adler (1870–1937) Austrian Psychiatrist
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
—Anne Bradstreet (1612–72) American Poet
Can anybody remember when the times were not hard and money not scarce?
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
When man meets an obstacle he can’t destroy, he destroys himself.
—Ryszard Kapuscinski (1932–2007) Polish Journalist
Men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues, and can moderate their desires more than their words.
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
The present will not long endure.
—Pindar (c.518–c.438 BCE) Greek Lyric Poet
Every cloud has its silver lining but it is sometimes a little difficult to get it to the mint
—Don Marquis (1878–1937) American Humorist, Journalist, Author
Some people carry their heart in their head and some carry their head in their heart. The trick is to keep them apart yet working together.
—David Hare (b.1947) English Dramatist, Director, Film-Maker
A Christian is like a tea bag—he’s not worth much until he’s been through some hot water.
—Unknown
To find fault, is easy; to do better may be difficult.
—Plutarch (c.46–c.120 CE) Greek Biographer, Philosopher
When something does not insist on being noticed, when we aren’t grabbed by the collar or struck on the skull by a presence or an event, we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
—Cynthia Ozick (b.1928) American Novelist, Short-story Writer, Essayist
Triumphs without difficulties are empty. Indeed; it is difficulties that make the triumph. It is no feat to travel the smooth road.
—Unknown
At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you’ve left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your heart is rent.
—Golda Meir (1898–1978) Israeli Head of State
All things come to him who waits—provided he knows what he is waiting for.
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) American Head of State
There is nothing so bitter, that a patient mind cannot find some solace for it.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Hope and patience are two sovereign remedies for all, the surest reposals, the softest cushions to lean on in adversity.
—Robert Burton (1577–1640) English Scholar, Clergyman
People have a natural tendency to flee to the mountains when things get tough.
—Stuart Briscoe (1930–2022) British Evangelist, Author
Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.
—Plautus (Titus Maccius Plautus) (c.250–184 BCE) Roman Comic Playwright
Evil is always possible. Goodness is a difficulty.
—Anne Rice (1941–2021) American Author
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