Adversity has ever been considered as the date in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, particularly being free from flatterers.
Johnson.
Prosperity is too apt to prevent us from examining our conduct, but as adversity leads us to think properly of our state, it is most beneficial to us.
Johnson
The truly great and good, in affliction, bear a countenance more princely than they are wont; for it is the temper of the highest hearts, lite the palm-tree, to strive most upwards when it is most burdened.
Sir P. Sidney.
Half the ills we hoard within our hearts are ills because we hoard them.
