Quotes About Adversity

It is difficult circumstances that show real men.

But it's not right of Zeus to do this.' Why? Because he made you tough and proud, removed the stigma of evil from these circumstances and made it possible for you to be happy despite them? Or because he left the door open when things finally don't agree with you? Friend, take advantage of it, and stop blaming God.

Each time an obstacle arises, remind yourself of this truth. While it may hinder some part of you, it cannot constrain your true self.

A boxer derives the greatest advantage from his sparring partner – and my accuser is my sparring partner. He trains me in patience, civility and even temper.

I have a bad neighbour – bad, that is, for himself. For me, though, he is good: he exercises my powers of fairness and sociability.

For my part, I can say, 'bring what challenge you please and I will turn it to good account: bring illness, death, poverty, slander, a judgement of death: they will all be converted to advantage by my wand of Hermes.

And then we'll be emulating Socrates,* once we're able to write hymns of praise in prison.

But if you try to avoid what you cannot control—sickness, poverty, death—you will inflict useless mental suffering upon yourself.

It was thus an excellent reply that the woman made when she wanted to send a boatload of provisions to the exiled Gratilla;* for when someone said to her, 'Domitian will merely confiscate them,' she replied, 'Better that he should take them away than that I should fail to send them.

Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths.

For when you have subjected to externals what is your own, then be a slave and do not resist, and do not sometimes choose to be a slave, and sometimes not choose, but with all your mind be one or the other.

In this body, this universe, this community, it is inevitable that each of us faces some such event. [28] Your job, then, is to appear before the court, say what you have to say and make the best of the situation. [29] Then the judge declares you guilty. 'I wish you well, judge. I did my part, you can decide if you did yours.' Because the judge runs a risk too, don't forget.

If you make peace with all things that are beyond your power, refusing to fight them, you will be invincible.

It is not the person who insults or attacks you who torments your mind, but the view you take of these things.

But my nose is running!' What do you have hands for, idiot, if not to wipe it? 'But how is it right that there be running noses in the first place?' Instead of thinking up protests, wouldn't it be easier just to wipe your nose?

Anytus and Meletus can kill me, but they cannot harm me,'50 he says, and: 'If it pleases the gods, so be it.

Remember that it is we who torment, we who make difficulties for ourselves – that is, our opinions do. What, for instance, does it mean to be insulted? Stand by a rock and insult it, and what have you accomplished? If someone responds to insult like a rock, what has the abuser gained with his invective?

Tell us your secrets.' [23] 'I refuse, as this is up to me.' 'I will put you in chains.' 'What's that you say, friend? It's only my leg you will chain, not even God can conquer my will.' [24] 'I will throw you into prison.' 'Correction – it is my body you will throw there.' 'I will behead you.' 'Well, when did I ever claim that mine was the only neck that couldn't be severed?

A boxer derives the greatest advantage from his sparring partner – and my accuser is my sparring partner. He trains me in patience, civility and even temper. [10] I mean, a doctor who puts me in a headlock and sets a dislocated pelvis or shoulder – he benefits me, however painful the procedure. So too does a trainer when he commands me to 'lift the weight with both your hands' – and the heavier it is, the greater the benefit to me.

Everything, you see, that you throw at me I will transform into a blessing, a boon, something dignified - even enviable.

Begin therefore with little things. A little oil is spilled, a little wine is stolen: say, "This is the price of tranquility; this is the price of not being upset.

It's only my leg you will chain, not even God can conquer my will.' 'I will throw you into prison.' 'Correction – it is my body you will throw there.

Then I'll have you chained up.' What are you saying, man, chain me up? You can chain my leg, but not even Zeus can overcome my power of choice. [24] 'I'll throw you into prison.' You mean my poor body. 'I'll have you beheaded.' Why, did I ever tell you that I'm the only man to have a neck that can't be severed? [

Show me a man who though sick is happy, who though in danger is happy, who though in prison is happy, and I'll show you a Stoic.