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Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Classical antiquity7 quotes
It would not be better if things happened to men just as they wish. — HeraclitusAnyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. — Publilius Syrus · 43 BCA great pilot can sail even when his canvas is rent. — Seneca · 65Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. — Seneca · 64Misfortune shows those who are not really friends. — Aristotle · 350 BCShall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? — Job · 500 BCAll 7 quotes →The Renaissance3 quotes
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything. — William Shakespeare · 1616Prosperity doth best discover Vice; But Adversity doth best discover Vertue. — Francis Bacon · 1625Let me embrace the sour adversaries,
For wise men say it is the wisest course. — William Shakespeare · 1595New Testament Era2 quotes
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. — Jesus · 90It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God. — Acts 14:22 · 62Middle Ages1 quote
He said not "Thou shalt not be tempested, thou shall not be travailed, thou shalt not be diseased"; but he said, "Thou shalt not be overcome." — Julian of Norwich · 1413Old Testament Era1 quote
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. — Proverbs 24:10 · 686 BC